F and M Student Transfer Information
December 17, 2014
For many students, your school is your home away from home while studying in the United States. If you are interested in transferring schools, you must meet certain requirements to maintain your status.
Here is what you should know:
F Students
If you are an F student at an SEVP-certified school and you gain acceptance to another SEVP-certified school, you must do three things:
- Maintain your status at your current school while your transfer request is processed.
- Prove to your current designated school official (DSO) that your new school has accepted you.
- Begin classes at the new school by the next available session start date or within five months, whichever is sooner.
M Students
If you are an M student, only under specific conditions may you transfer to another SEVP-certified school:
- You are within the first six months of entering the United States (must file a Form I-539, “Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status”); or
- You are unable to remain at your current school due to circumstances beyond your control (e.g., the school closes).
- You must continue attending classes at your current school while you are waiting to transfer. While your application is pending, you must enroll at the new school for the next available session. It is important to maintain your status while waiting for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to adjudicate your request. For more information, read these instructions for transferring to another school as an M student.
Talk to your DSO to find out if you qualify for a transfer. If you gain acceptance at an SEVP-certified school, your DSO is responsible for transferring your SEVIS record.