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How to Transfer Your SEVIS Record to a New School: A Complete Guide for International Students

  • Mar 16
  • 5 min read

For international students studying in the United States on an F-1 visa, maintaining lawful status is critical. One of the most common situations students face is transferring from one school to another. When this happens, your SEVIS record must be transferred, not recreated.


Understanding how the SEVIS transfer process works—and what your rights are—can help you avoid delays or problems with your immigration status.


This guide explains what a SEVIS record is, how SEVIS transfers work, the regulations involved, and what to do if your current school is reluctant to transfer your record.


What Is a SEVIS Record?

SEVIS stands for the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) system, known as the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).


It is the U.S. government database used to track international students and exchange visitors in the United States.


SEVIS is managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and allows schools and the government to monitor:

  • Your visa status

  • Your school enrollment

  • Your program start and end dates

  • Employment authorizations (CPT or OPT)

  • Address updates

  • Transfers between schools


Each international student is issued a unique SEVIS ID (beginning with the letter N) that appears on their Form I‑20.


Your SEVIS record is essentially your official immigration record as a student in the U.S.


What Are the Different SEVIS Statuses?

Your SEVIS record can exist in several statuses depending on your enrollment and immigration situation.

Active

An Active SEVIS record means you are maintaining your F-1 status.

To remain active you must:

  • Be enrolled full-time

  • Attend an SEVP‑certified school

  • Maintain a valid passport

  • Follow employment rules

  • Keep your address updated with your DSO

This is the status required to transfer schools.


Initial

An Initial record means a student has been issued an I-20 but has not yet entered the U.S. or started their program.


Students transferring schools inside the U.S. should not receive a new Initial SEVIS record unless their previous record has already been terminated or completed.

Completed

A SEVIS record becomes completed when:

  • A student finishes their academic program

  • The program end date passes


After completion, students typically enter their 60-day grace period.

Terminated

A record may be terminated if a student violates their status. Common reasons include:

  • Dropping below full-time enrollment

  • Unauthorized employment

  • Failing to report to the school

  • Extended absence


Once terminated, a student typically must leave the U.S. or apply for reinstatement.


What Is a SEVIS Transfer?

A SEVIS transfer allows a student to move their immigration record from one SEVP-certified school to another without leaving the United States.


The transfer keeps the same SEVIS ID and allows the student to continue their status.

This process is governed by federal regulations under 8 CFR 214.2(f)(8).


When Can You Transfer Your SEVIS Record?

Students commonly transfer when they:

  • Change universities

  • Start a new academic program

  • Move from one degree level to another

  • Choose a different school that better fits their academic goals


Transfers can occur:

  • Between semesters

  • During a program

  • After completing a program (during the grace period)


The SEVIS Transfer Process (Step-by-Step)

1. Receive Admission to a New School

Before a SEVIS transfer can happen, you must first be admitted to another SEVP-certified school.


The new school will issue a transfer-pending I-20 once your SEVIS record is released.


2. Request a Transfer From Your Current School

You must request that your Designated School Official (DSO) release your SEVIS record.

This includes selecting a transfer release date.


3. Your Current School Releases the Record

On the release date, the SEVIS record becomes available to the new school.

At that point:

  • Your current school can no longer access your record

  • Your new school gains control of the SEVIS record


4. Your New School Issues a Transfer I-20

Your new school will then issue a new transfer-pending I-20.

You must report to the new school within 15 days of the program start date.


SEVIS Records vs. Academic Records

One common misconception occurs when schools attempt to withhold SEVIS transfers due to unpaid balances or academic holds.


Guidance from the Department of Homeland Security clarifies an important distinction.

  • SEVIS records are U.S. government property

  • Academic records belong to the school


This means schools may place holds on transcripts or diplomas, but SEVIS transfers should not be blocked for those reasons.



What If Your School Refuses to Transfer Your SEVIS Record?

In some cases, schools may delay or resist transferring a SEVIS record.

Students should first try to resolve the issue directly with their Designated School Official (DSO).


If necessary, providing a written request referencing federal guidance can help clarify the situation. Below is a polite but firm email template students can use.


Email Template to Request a SEVIS Transfer


Students can send the following message to their DSO.


Subject: Formal Request for SEVIS Record Transfer


Dear [DSO Name],


I am writing to formally request the transfer of my SEVIS record to [New School Name], an SEVP-certified institution. Please release my SEVIS record to the following school code: [SEVIS School Code]. My requested transfer release date is [Transfer Date].


Guidance from the Department of Homeland Security explains that SEVIS records are U.S. government property and must be transferred when a student requests a transfer to another SEVP-certified school. It also clarifies that the transfer of a SEVIS record is separate from the release of academic or financial records and should not be delayed due to institutional policies related to those records.


For reference, please see:https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/2016/10/transferring-sevis-records-vs-academic-records-whats-difference


Please confirm once the transfer release date has been set, or let me know if any additional documentation is required to complete this request.


Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,[Student Full Name]

SEVIS ID: [N00XXXXXXX]

[Student ID if applicable]



Tips for Keeping Your SEVIS Record Active During a Transfer

To avoid immigration problems during a transfer:


Stay enrolled full-time

Do not drop below the required credit hours.


Choose a proper transfer release date

Work with both schools to select a date that aligns with program start dates.


Report to your new school on time

Students must report to their new DSO within 15 days of the new program start date.


Maintain valid documents

Always keep:

  • Passport valid

  • I-20 updated

  • Address updated with your school


Final Thoughts

Transferring your SEVIS record is a normal part of many international students’ academic journeys. The key is ensuring the process is handled correctly so that your F-1 status remains active and uninterrupted.


Remember:

  • SEVIS records belong to the U.S. government

  • Transfers between SEVP-certified schools are permitted

  • Academic record policies do not control SEVIS transfers


By understanding the process and communicating clearly with your DSO, you can complete your transfer smoothly and continue pursuing your educational goals in the United States.


If you are considering transferring schools and exploring graduate programs designed for international students, visit our universities page to explore graduate programs with integral CPT.

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