SEVIS Record Transfer Out

“Transfer out” refers to the process of an F-1 or J-1 student transferring their SEVIS record from one institution to another one. In this case, you will retain the same SEVIS ID number.

Your SEVIS Record is your Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record that tracks important information. This record includes personal details, immigration status, school and program information, travel history, work authorizations and changes to your program.

When transferring from one school to another, assuming your SEVIS record is active, your SEVIS record is transferred electronically from your current school to your new school, so your immigration history continues in one continuous record.

If you are a current WashU student who is completing or about to complete a degree at WashU and wants to begin a new program at another U.S. school, you will need to transfer your SEVIS record from WashU within 60 days of graduation (or program end date on your I-20, whichever is sooner).

Transfer timing and release date

Your requested transfer date is the date your SEVIS record is transferred electronically to the new school.

• If transferring during an academic program, you may choose any release date as long as it is scheduled after completion of coursework at the first school and before coursework at the second school.

• You are allowed a maximum of five (5) months between coursework at the institutions. Your courses (not orientation) at the new school must begin within 5 months of your I-20 end date or post-completion OPT end date.

• If you are not in status when transferring, consult with international student advisers at both schools about the reinstatement process.

To transfer schools, the J-1 must notify their current sponsor of their intent to transfer. If WashU is your program sponsor, you will use MyOISS to request the transfer. Submit a Transfer Out request in MyOISS to complete the SEVIS transfer-out process.

When the SEVIS record is released, the new sponsor will issue a new DS-2019.

During OPT

If you wish to start a new full-time academic program while on OPT, the remainder of your OPT must be forfeited before beginning classes with the new program.

• To begin a program of study at another U.S. school, submit a Transfer Out request in MyOISS. Your adviser will then transfer your F-1 SEVIS record.
• To begin a new program of study at WashU, submit a Change of Education Level request in MyOISS.

after oPT

If you are planning to go back to school after your Post-Completion OPT or STEM OPT Extension, you will need to submit either a Transfer Out request to transfer your F-1 SEVIS record to another school or request a Change of Education Level if returning to WashU. Both requests are located in MyOISS.

You must complete the Transfer-Out or Change of Education Level requests before the end of the 60-day grace period following the OPT end date.

OPT students considering a transfer should carefully consider the following:

• After the SEVIS transfer release date has passed, you may not continue working on OPT. This is true even if your EAD has not expired. The transfer release date, in effect, cancels the EAD. You must submit all employment updates before your transfer release date.
• Your SEVIS transfer release date can be within the OPT period dates listed on the EAD or up to 60 days after the expiration date on the EAD.
• If you accrued 90 days of OPT unemployment, you are not eligible to transfer your SEVIS record. You must submit the SEVIS transfer request at least 7 days prior to the unemployment maximum. This will allow your OISS adviser time to complete the request.
• Classes at the new school must begin within 5 months of the transfer release date or at the start of the next available term, whichever is earlier.
• You may request a transfer release date in the future and continue working on OPT until that date. Your EAD must not have expired and the new program of study cannot have begun.
• The length of time between your OPT end date and start date of classes at the new school should be no more than 5 months. If the gap is over 5 months, meet with your OISS adviser to discuss options.

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