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SEVIS Record Transfer

Admission to a new school alone does not permit an F-1 student to begin full-time studies there. You must ask Nobel University(NU) to transfer your SEVIS I-20 record to the new institution first. This process, known as a “SEVIS transfer,” is separate from an academic transfer.

Benefits of a SEVIS Transfer:

    • You are not required to pay the $350 SEVIS fee again.

    • You can stay in the U.S. between programs.

    • You retain the same SEVIS ID number, which may allow you to access certain benefits at your new school sooner, such as CPT eligibility.

Examples of SEVIS Transfer Situations Recognized by the U.S. Government:

    1. After Completing a Program:
        • Graduating with a bachelor of arts in business administration degree and starting a graduate program.

        • Graduating from high school and beginning studies at a college or university.

        • Completing an intensive English program (ESL) and transitioning to a university degree.

    1. Switching Schools Mid-Program:
        • Changing to a different school before finishing the current program (e.g., transferring after a few quarters of a bachelor’s degree).

    1. During OPT:
        • Starting a new program of study while on standard or STEM OPT, either before or after the OPT period ends.

Eligibility for F-1 SEVIS Transfer

    • You must be maintaining F-1 status and have an acceptance leeter from a new school.

    • If you’ve graduated or completed OPT, you must be within your 60-day grace period.

    • Classes at your new school must start within 5 months of your program completion, last day of enrollment, or OPT end date.

    • If more than 5 months have passed between F-1 activities, you’ll need a new initial I-20 with a new SEVIS number.

What is the SEVIS I-20 Transfer/Release Date?

This is the date when access to your F-1 SEVIS record shifts from NU to your new school. It affects your F-1 benefits, such as employment, travel, and I-20 validity. Only one school can access your SEVIS record at a time.

On the SEVIS Transfer/Release Date:

  • NU loses access to your SEVIS record. Your new school gains access and can issue your new I-20.
  • OPT and on-campus work authorization are canceled.
 

How to Choose a SEVIS I-20 Transfer/Release Date

Use the informationa below to select an appropriate SEVIS I-20 transfer/release date. Keep in mind:

  • NU needs time to process your request; it cannot backdate the transfer/release date.
  • If your request is processed after your chosen date, the SEVIS record will be transferred on the day of NU processing.
  • SEVIS transfer/release cannot be canceled on or after the selected date. You may only cancel before the transfer/release date.

Recommended SEVIS Transfer Dates:

  1. Discontinuing Studies at NU:

    • Transfer Date: Day after finals week ends.
    • Note: SEVIS transfer is not possible before the end of the quarter. Consult NU if you wish to continue working on campus temporarily.

  2. Temporary Study at Another Institution:

    • Transfer Date: Day after finals week ends.
    • Note: SEVIS transfer is not possible before the end of the semester.

  3. Graduating Without OPT:

    • Transfer Date: Day after finals week ends.
    • Note: SEVIS transfer is not possible before the end of the semester

  4. Graduated, No OPT Application:

    • Transfer Date: As soon as possible, at least 3 weeks before the end of your 60-day grace period.

  5. Pending OPT, No Plan to Use:

    • Transfer Date: As soon as possible.

  6. Approved OPT, No Employment:

    • Transfer Date: As soon as possible, at least 3 weeks before your 90-day unemployment limit.

  7. Pending/Approved OPT, Plan to Use Before New Program:

    • Transfer Date: One day after your last date of employment.
    • Note: OPT ends on the SEVIS transfer date, regardless of the EAD end date.

  8. Approved OPT, No Job Planned:

    • Transfer Date: As soon as possible, at least 3 weeks before the 90-day unemployment limit ends.

For all cases, if the transfer date is not met, F-1 status may be at risk.

Instructions: Request Your SEVIS I-20 Transfer/Release

  1. Prepare Required Documents:

    • Acceptance/Admission letter or email from your new school.
    • New school’s SEVIS code (contact them if unknown).

  2. Choose a Transfer Date:

    • Select a date from the Transfer Date chart that fits your situation.

  3. Submit the Request:

  4. Processing Time:

    • Allow time for NU to process your request. After the transfer date, NU will no longer have access to your SEVIS record, so make sure your plans are final.

  5. Withdraw from NU:

    • If enrolled in future semesters, withdraw from NU and settle any financial obligations. Review Student tuition refund policies.

  6. Contact Your New School:

    • Coordinate with the new school’s International Admissions office for your new I-20.
For further inquiries about the SEVIS transfer process, please feel free to contact us.