Transferring out SEVIS Record

SEVIS TRF Out Detailed Process

Are you transferring from Fordham to another U.S. college or university? Are you starting a (higher level) graduate degree? Or are you moving to a new (higher level) academic program after completing your OPT/STEM OPT? Transferring your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record allows you to maintain continuous F-1 immigration status without having to depart the United States.

What Is an F-1 SEVIS Transfer Out?

SEVIS Transfer Out is the electronic transfer of your active F-1 immigration file (i.e., your SEVIS record) from Fordham to your new institution. Fordham is the transfer-out school, and your new school is the transfer-in school.

Eligibility Criteria

To successfully transfer your SEVIS record to a new U.S. institution, you must satisfy the following:

• 1. Active Lawful Status: Currently maintaining F-1 status at Fordham.
• 2. Acceptance Letter: Have received an official, unconditional admission letter from a school.
• 3. The 5-Month Rule: Your academic program start date at the new institution must begin within 5 months of your SEVIS release date or your current program completion/OPT end date, whichever is earlier.
• 4. Timely Request: You must request your SEVIS transfer before your current grace period ends (or before your I-94 Admit Until Date).

Pre-Transfer Student Checklist

How to Request Your SEVIS Transfer Out

Step 1: Admission Letter and SEVIS School Code

Obtain your formal letter of acceptance from your new school. Confirm that the new school is SEVP-certified and request their exact SEVIS School Code (e.g., NYC214F00123000).

Step 2: Select Your SEVIS Release Date

Choose a SEVIS Release Date. On this date, ownership of your SEVIS record automatically shifts to your new institution.

• Mid-Program / Graduating Students: Choose a date after you finish all academic commitments and on-campus employment. Please don’t choose a transfer date in the middle of an active semester. 
• Post-Completion OPT/STEM OPT Students: Keep in mind that on the transfer date, your OPT/STEM OPT employment authorization will end. 

Step 3: Submit the OIS Transfer-Out Request Form

The form will ask you to upload your admission letter and your new school's Transfer-In Verification Form (if required). You will also need the new school’s SEVIS release code.

Step 4: Receive Your Transfer Pending Form I-20 from New School

Once your SEVIS release date arrives, Fordham loses administrative access to your SEVIS file. Your new school will access the record and issue you a new "Transfer Pending" Form I-20. From that point on, all F-1 status-related advice must come from your new school. 

Step 5: Check In with Your New School's OIS Equivalent

Upon arrival or prior to the start of classes, complete the mandatory immigration check-in procedure at your new institution. Your new DSO will register your enrollment in SEVIS to complete the transfer. Reach out to the new school to learn about this process.

Critical Timing Rules & The 5-Month Window

5-Month Gap Rule: The gap between your current program end date (or OPT end date) and the program start date at your new school cannot exceed 5 months. If the gap is longer than 5 months, you must depart the U.S. and re-enter using an initial I-20 from your new school.

Grace Period Limit: If you complete your degree and/or OPT/STEM OPT, a SEVIS transfer must be completed within your allowable grace period following your completion date. After the grace period, sevis records are auto-completed and cannot be transferred. 

Impact on Employment, OPT/STEM OPT, and International Travel

On-Campus Employment

Your authorization to work on campus at Fordham automatically terminates on your SEVIS release date. 

OPT and STEM OPT 

If you are currently on OPT or STEM OPT, releasing your SEVIS record to a new school immediately cancels the remainder of your employment authorization. You must stop working before your SEVIS release date, even if the expiration date printed on your EAD card is in the future.

International Travel Between Schools

If you plan to travel outside the United States during the transfer transition window, you must re-enter the country using the "Transfer Pending" Form I-20 issued by your new school. Do not attempt to enter the U.S. using your old Fordham I-20.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)