If you are an F or M student and want to transfer to a new school or program, talk to your designated school official (DSO) first so you follow the correct processes and maintain your nonimmigrant status. Even if you plan to transfer to a new school, you still must attend and pass classes at your current school until your transfer release date, a date upon which you and DSOs at both schools will agree. On the transfer release date your new school gains responsibility over your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record.

The following transfer rules apply:

• An F student is eligible to transfer at any time but must continue to maintain status throughout the transfer process.
• An M student may only transfer within the first six months of arriving in the United States. The only exception is if a student cannot stay at the current school due to circumstances beyond their control, such as a school closing.

After you have received acceptance for transfer by a Student and Exchange Visitor Program-certified school, talk to your current DSO. When you talk to your DSO, bring your proof of acceptance to your new school, contact information for your new DSO and the SEVIS school code for the new school.

For more information about transferring, see the following resource pages:

• Transferring to Another School
• Instructions for Transferring to Another School as an F-1 Student
• Instructions for Transferring to Another School as an M-1 Student