ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ¿ª½±Íø

If you are in valid F-1 status studying at another institution in the United States or are currently on Optional Practical Training (OPT), US Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) permit a transfer of your SEVIS record/status to ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ¿ª½±Íø University Maryland. You must inform your current school of your intent to transfer to ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ¿ª½±Íø. Your ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ¿ª½±Íø Form I-20 cannot be created until your current school releases your SEVIS record to ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ¿ª½±Íø. It is important to follow the procedures below carefully because failure to complete the SEVIS transfer process in a timely manner will result in the violation of your F-1 status.

Timelines

Completed Degree

F-1 students must transfer their SEVIS record to the new institution within 60 days of the completion of their degree (Form I-20 end date, or OPT end date). Therefore it is important to notify your current school of your impending transfer as soon as possible.

Incomplete Degree

If your Form I-20 is still valid and you wish to transfer prior to the completion of your degree requirements, you should speak with an International Student Advisor at your current institution and at ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ¿ª½±Íø. Individual school policies may affect when you are able to transfer your SEVIS Immigration Record.

Transferring into ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ¿ª½±Íø

• Once admitted you will receive an email from OISS with instructions on how to begin the electronic process of requesting a Form I-20. The email will contain a transfer form that you must complete.
• Your current school will need to transfer your SEVIS record to ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ¿ª½±Íø on the day you request or as soon as they can after that day. This must occur within 60 days after completing your studies at your current institution.
• OISS will issue you a ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ¿ª½±Íø Form I-20 after both steps above have been completed. You will receive an email once your Form I-20 is prepared.
• Sign page one of the Form I-20 when you receive it.
• Submit your travel itinerary to OISS no later than 4 weeks prior to your arrival in Baltimore.
• Attend the required International Student Orientation. (All new, incoming F-1 students must attend the required International Student Orientation and Immigration Clearance Session held on the Thursday before classes begin)
• OISS will officially complete the transfer process after you have attended orientation and registered for the required number of courses.

Remember, failure to complete the Transfer process in a timely manner is a violation of your status.

Travel Between Studies

If you travel outside of the United States between the time you are studying at your current school and ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ¿ª½±Íø, you should speak with an International Student Advisor at both schools to assure you have the necessary documents to re-enter the United States. Depending on your situation you might receive a new SEVIS ID# or continue with your previous SEVIS ID#. In either case you must use the Form I-20 issued by ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ¿ª½±Íø when you re-enter the United States.

Transfer Implications

Effect on Work

On-campus

On-campus work may only be performed at the school which holds your SEVIS record. Once your SEVIS record is transferred to ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ¿ª½±Íø, your work must end at the transfer-out school.

Off-campus

Off-campus work authorizations such as OPT will end on the date your SEVIS record is transferred to ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ¿ª½±Íø.