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Transferring to SBU

International students who are admitted to Stony Brook University from another U.S. college, university, high school or language program in F-1 status may need a SEVIS Transfer.  This is the process of moving your SEVIS record from your current school to a new school after you are admitted. Admission to a new school alone does not automatically allow an F-1 student to begin studies at another school.

For more information on transferring as a J-1 student, click here.

Eligibility

  • You must be maintaining F-1 status.
  • You must have an offer of admission from SBU.
  • If you already graduated or completed OPT, you must request a SEVIS transfer within your 60-day grace period.
  • The start of classes at SBU must be within 5 months of one of the following:
      • Academic program completion at your prior institution;
      • Last day of enrollment at your prior institution;
      • OPT authorization end date (end date on EAD)
  • For students who are transferring before the end of their OPT, the start of classes must be within 5 months of the requested SEVIS I-20 transfer/release date.

If the period of time between F-1 activities is longer than 5 months, your SEVIS record is not eligible for transfer. You must receive a new initial I-20 with a new SEVIS number.

Benefits of a SEVIS Transfer

  • You do not pay the SEVIS I-901 fee again.
  • You can remain in the U.S. in between programs if there is less than 5 months between the end of your current program and the start of your new program.
  • You maintain the same SEVIS ID number.
  • If your F-1 visa is still valid, you can continue to use it until its expiration date, even though your old school's name is on your visa.
  • You may travel in between programs and are not subject to the 30-day entry restriction (entering no earlier than 30 days before your program starts).

Transfer-In Process

Admission to a new school alone does not automatically allow an F-1 student to begin studies at another school. To maintain your F-1  status, your SEVIS record must be transferred to SBU from your previous institution.

1. Speak to your current school
2. Request your I-20 from SBU
3. Submit the 'SEVIS Record Transfer Information' eForm
4. Receive your I-20 from Stony Brook
5. Report your arrival in accessVIS

Important Note: Students who leave the United States between transfers must use Stony Brook University’s I-20 when arriving for inspection at the port of entry. Please keep all previous I-20s for intake procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I travel outside of the U.S. in between programs after my transfer-out date?
Do I need a new F-1 visa?
What should my transfer release date be?
Am I still eligible for OPT at my previous school after the transfer-out date?
How does my SEVIS transfer affect my on-campus employment eligibility?
Does my time in F-1 status at my previous institution count towards the one full academic year provision for employment and practical training?
When will I get my I-20 from Stony Brook?
Why does my I-20 say 'Transfer Pending'?