Updating Your F-1 Visa Status After Transferring Universities
Are you an international student who has transferred to a new university in the United States? It’s essential to update your F-1 visa status to reflect your new institution. Here’s a guide on how to do it.
Inform Your Current School
Before you transfer, you need to let the officials at your current school know about your decision. They play a critical role in helping you update your F-1 visa status. Talk to the designated school official (DSO) at your current school’s international student office and request that they release your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record to your new school.
SEVIS Transfer
The SEVIS record transfer is a crucial step in the process. Here’s what you need to do:
- Notify the DSO: Contact the DSO at your new school and provide them with a copy of your admission letter.
- Agree on a transfer date: This will be the date when your SEVIS record is released to the new school and should be before the start date of your new program.
- Confirm the transfer: After the transfer date, your new DSO should verify the receipt of your SEVIS record and issue you a new Form I-20.
Receiving Your New Form I-20
After the SEVIS transfer is complete, your new school will provide you with a new Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.” This document is critical for your status in the U.S. and must be signed by your new DSO.
Reporting to Your New School
Upon receiving the new Form I-20, you will need to:
- Report to your new school: Do this within 15 days of the program start date listed on your new I-20 form.
- Update your address: Your new school must have your current U.S. address to keep in your SEVIS record.
Keeping Your F-1 Visa Status Valid
Remember, transferring schools doesn’t automatically extend your visa. Your F-1 visa stamp might still show the name of your old school, but it remains valid as long as you follow the necessary steps and maintain your student status. Here are some tips to keep your status valid:
- Full course of study: Enroll in a full course of study at your new school in the first possible term after transfer, unless you’re eligible for a vacation semester.
- New I-20: Keep the new Form I-20 from your new school with you, especially when traveling internationally.
- Record keeping: Retain all old I-20s from previous schools for your records.
Travel Outside the US
If you plan to travel outside the U.S. after the transfer and your F-1 visa has expired, you’ll need to apply for a new visa stamp with the new Form I-20 before returning to the U.S. Always carry documentation such as enrollment evidence or transcripts when reentering the country.
Key Takeaway
Transferring to a new university in the U.S. requires timely and accurate updates to your immigration records. Following these steps ensures that your F-1 status is maintained, and you remain in legal status while studying in the U.S.
For more detailed information on maintaining your F-1 status, visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program page or the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs. It’s always best to consult with your DSO if you have any questions about your specific situation.
Remember, staying informed and proactive about your visa status is the key to a trouble-free academic experience in the United States.
So there you have it, the lowdown on updating your F-1 visa status after transferring universities. It may seem like a daunting task, but with a bit of organization and following the steps, you’ll be on your way to a trouble-free academic experience. And if you want more guidance on visa matters, head over to visaverge.com. Trust me, they’ve got all the insider tips to keep you in the know. Happy transferring!
FAQ’s to know:
FAQ 1: How do I update my F-1 visa status after transferring universities in the United States?
To update your F-1 visa status after transferring universities, you need to follow these steps:
- Inform your current school: Let your current school officials know about your decision and ask them to release your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record to your new school.
- Complete the SEVIS transfer process: Contact the Designated School Official (DSO) at your new school, provide them with a copy of your admission letter, agree on a transfer date, and confirm the transfer after that date. Your new DSO will issue you a new Form I-20.
- Receive your new Form I-20: Once the SEVIS transfer is complete, your new school will provide you with a new Form I-20. This document is crucial for your status in the U.S. and must be signed by your new DSO.
- Report to your new school: Within 15 days of the program start date listed on your new I-20 form, report to your new school and update your U.S. address in your SEVIS record.
Always consult with your DSO for any specific questions or concerns about your situation.
FAQ 2: How can I maintain my F-1 visa status when transferring universities in the United States?
To maintain your F-1 visa status when transferring universities in the United States, it’s important to:
- Enroll in a full course of study: Join a full course load at your new school unless you’re eligible for a vacation semester.
- Carry your new Form I-20: Keep the new Form I-20 from your new school with you, especially when traveling internationally.
- Retain old I-20s: Keep all old I-20s from previous schools for your records.
Remember, transferring schools doesn’t automatically extend your visa, so it’s crucial to follow these steps and maintain your student status.
FAQ 3: What should I do if I plan to travel outside the U.S. after transferring universities and my F-1 visa has expired?
If you plan to travel outside the U.S. after transferring universities and your F-1 visa has expired, you must:
- Apply for a new visa stamp: Before returning to the U.S., apply for a new visa stamp with the new Form I-20 from your new school.
- Carry documentation: Always carry documentation such as enrollment evidence or transcripts when reentering the country.
Make sure to stay informed and proactive about your visa status to have a trouble-free academic experience in the United States.
What did you learn? Answer below to know:
- True or False: Transferring to a new university in the United States automatically extends your F-1 visa.
- What is the purpose of notifying the designated school official (DSO) at your current school before transferring? a) To request a new F-1 visa b) To release your SEVIS record to your new school c) To update your address in the SEVIS system d) To request a vacation semester
- When should you report to your new school after receiving the new Form I-20? a) Within 15 days of the program start date listed on the new I-20 form b) Within 30 days of your visa expiration date c) Whenever convenient within the first semester d) At least 1 month before the program start date
