Designated school officials (DSO) are school employees that are dedicated to helping F and M students at their school maintain their nonimmigrant status for the duration of their program. Ask a DSO is a series with advice from DSOs on the different situations F and M students may encounter and need to be prepared for.

A student may want to transfer to another school for many different reasons. As an F or M student, you may be eligible to transfer to another school if all of the following criteria apply:

• You have applied for admission to a program of study at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school
• You have been fully accepted into that program of study
• You have the financial resources to afford your expenses while enrolled in that program of study

Transfer procedures for an F student differ from the transfer procedures for an M student. Be sure to review the procedures that apply to you.

To transfer, an M student also must be in the first six months of a program of study unless the student is unable to remain at the school to which the student was initially admitted due to circumstances beyond the student's control.

Before you can enroll at the new school, you must talk to DSOs at the new school and your current school to ensure the transfer of your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record to the new school. Be sure to discuss the following:

• Timing
• The effect of a transfer on any existing employment authorization
• Any travel plans you have that may involve leaving the United States during the transfer process

Also, your DSO can make sure that you take the proper steps and file the proper forms in a timely and proper manner throughout the transfer process.

A DSO at your current school must start the transfer process in SEVIS by identifying both the transfer-in school (your new school) and the transfer release date (the date the transfer takes effect). If the DSO at your current school does not want to transfer your SEVIS record to the new school, talk to the DSO at the new school to ask for help. The DSO at the new school may contact SEVP for help when a DSO at another school refuses to transfer your SEVIS record.

After a DSO transfers your SEVIS record, you need to follow your new school’s procedure for transfer student orientations or check-ins. Your new DSO must report your arrival on campus in SEVIS to complete the transfer process. Also, take the time to learn about the academic and international student policies and procedures at your new school. Every school is a little different, and the differences sometimes surprise transfer students.

Remember that DSOs are a resource for F and M students. Talk to your DSO about any questions you have.