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Transferring

  • Transferring to Stony Brook

    Transfer-In Students

    Students who are admitted to Stony Brook University from another U.S. college, university, high school or language program in J-1 status are considered “transfers." This refers to the transfer of the student’s SEVIS record from one institution to another.


    Eligibility

    You are eligible to transfer your SEVIS record to Stony Brook University if you:

    1. Are maintaining lawful J-1 status,.
    2. Are academically admitted to Stony Brook.
    3. Submit documentation necessary for the issuance of a DS-2019.

    Please Note: Your course of study at Stony Brook must begin during the next available term.  Since each student's case may differ, contact Visa and Immigration Services for additional guidance.


    Transfer-In Process
    Step 1: Inform your current school that you plan to transfer
    Step 2: Request a DS-2019 from SBU
    Step 3: Receive your new DS-2019
    Step 4: Complete the intake procedures in accessVIS
    Important Note: Students who leave the United States between transfers must use Stony Brook University’s DS-2019 when arriving for inspection at the port of entry. Please keep all previous DS-2019s for Intake procedures.
  • Transferring from Stony Brook

    Transfer-Out Students

    Admission to a new school does not by itself authorize an international student in J-1 status to begin studying full-time at the new school.

    You must request that Visa and Immigration Services transfers your J-1 SEVIS DS-2019 record to your new school before you can begin full-time studies there. 


    Eligibility
    • You must currently be maintaining J-1 status.
    • You must have an offer of admission from a new school.
    • You must apply to transfer to the new institution before the last day attended at Stony Brook, or before the last day of your post-completion AT.
    • If you will be changing your type of degree or major field of study, you must discuss your transfer eligibility with VIS.
    • You must begin classes at your new school during the next available term.

    NOTE: If you are not eligible to transfer your SEVIS record from SBU to your new institution, you must request that a new SEVIS record be created by the new institution. You must leave and reenter the United States using the new DS-2019 and consult an advisor at the new institution for further instruction on travel and reentry.


    Important Considerations
    • You do not have to pay the SEVIS fee again.
    • You can remain in the U.S. in between programs.
    • You maintain the same current SEVIS ID number (which may make you eligible for certain benefits at your new school earlier, such as CPT eligibility).

    The U.S. government considers all the following examples to be possible “SEVIS transfer” situations:

    • Completing a program at one school and starting a new program at a different school
    • Currently studying at one school and deciding (before completing program) to change to a new school.
    • Currently on OPT and starting a new program of study at a different school

    How to Transfer Out

    If you've been admitted to another U.S. institution and wish to have your SEVIS record transferred, you must complete the "Transfer Out Request" in accessVIS.  

    Upload the following items and indicate your preferred SEVIS Transfer Release Date:

    • Acceptance letter issued by the U.S. school or institution you wish to transfer to.
    • A receipt from Student Accounts showing all outstanding balances have been paid. If you need help finding your Paperless Billing Statement, click here.
    • ‘Transfer In’ form from new school/program (if applicable).
  • Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the SEVIS transfer release date?
    What happens on the SEVIS transfer release date?
    How does my SEVIS transfer affect my travel plans?
    Can I use my current visa even though I am changing schools?
    How does my SEVIS transfer affect my on-campus employment eligibility?
    Do I need to report to my new school’s international office?