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F-1 Visa Extension and School Transfer: What Students Need to Know

International students frequently need to extend their program or transfer to a new institution. Both processes involve your SEVIS record and require coordination with your Designated School Official (DSO). Here is how to do it correctly.

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Extending Your F-1 Program

If you need more time to complete your degree, due to a change of major, part-time study authorization, or other academic reasons, your DSO can extend your I-20 program end date in SEVIS. There is no separate USCIS filing required for a program extension, but your DSO must update your record before your current program end date. You cannot remain in the U.S. after your program ends without either an extension or a new status.

Preparing for a School Transfer

To transfer between SEVP-certified schools: (1) get accepted at the new school, (2) notify your current DSO that you plan to transfer, (3) your current DSO sets a 'release date' in SEVIS (often the end of the current semester), (4) your new school's DSO issues a new I-20 after the release date. You cannot begin at the new school before the release date without risking a status violation.

What to Do at the New School

At the new school, report to the international student office within 15 days of the program start date on your new I-20. The DSO will update your SEVIS record to active at the new school. Keep copies of all I-20s and transfer documentation.

Transferring Your F-1 Visa Stamp

Your F-1 visa stamp does not need to be transferred, it remains valid as long as it has not expired and you maintain valid F-1 status. When you next travel abroad, you may need to obtain a new F-1 visa reflecting your new school if the old visa lists your previous institution (some consulates require this, others do not, check with the relevant consulate).

Transferring to a Non-SEVP School

If you want to transfer to a school that is not SEVP-certified, you cannot maintain F-1 status while attending that school. You would need to change to a different visa category or adjust status through another immigration pathway. Verify your school's SEVP certification at the Study in the States SEVP school search tool.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer schools if I have a CPT authorization?

CPT is granted by your current school for employment related to your current program. Transferring schools terminates your enrollment at the current school, which ends your CPT authorization. OPT that has already been approved continues to be valid after a school transfer.

What if my new school is in a different state?

The transfer process is the same regardless of location. You still coordinate through your DSO and complete the SEVIS transfer. If you move, update your address with your DSO within 10 days.

How long can I stay in the U.S. between schools?

Your authorized stay is tied to your SEVIS record. Once your current school releases your SEVIS record, you typically have a short window before the new school's program start date. Talk to your DSO about timing to avoid any gap in valid status.

Can I take a semester off?

F-1 students are required to be enrolled full-time. A voluntary leave of absence is generally not allowed without changing status. Some schools have approved medical or personal leave policies, talk to your DSO and international student office before making any enrollment decisions.

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