Transferring SEVIS record

In order to be eligible for a SEVIS transfer, the following must be true: 

  • You are currently in valid F-1 status 
  • You have an offer of admission from a new school 
  • If you’ve graduated or completed OPT, you are still within your 60-day grace period. 

When transferring to a new school, the start of classes at your new school must be within 5 months of one of the following: 

  • Program completion at Minnesota State Mankato
  • Last day of enrollment at Minnesota State Mankato (if not graduating from Minnesota State Mankato) 
  • OPT employment authorization end date 
  • If not completing OPT, the requested SEVIS I-20 transfer/release date 

If the time between your F-1 activities is longer than 5 months, you are not eligible for a transfer and the new school must issue you a new initial I-20 containing a new SEVIS number.  You will be required to pay the $200 SEVIS fee again and may not remain in the U.S. between F-1 activities. 

Examples for possible SEVIS transfer situations: 

  • Completing a program at one school and starting a new program at a different school 
  • Student graduates with a bachelor’s degree and will begin graduate study 
  • Student graduates from high school in the U.S. and will begin study at a post-secondary institution 
  • Student completes an intensive English program and will start a university degree 
  • Currently studying at one school and deciding to transfer/change to a new school 
  • Student is studying at the bachelor’s level and decides after three semesters at their current school they want to change to a different school. 
  • Currently working on OPT and starting a new degree program at a different school 
  • Student graduates with a bachelor’s degree and started post-completion OPT.  During OPT they apply for graduate school, are admitted, and decide to start a Master’s program that begins before or after post-completion OPT.  
  • Student graduates with a bachelor’s degree and started post-completion OPT.  Then applies and is approved for the OPT STEM Extension. They apply for graduate school, are admitted, and decide to start a Master’s program that begins before or after OPT STEM Extension 

Transferring your SEVIS record is easy as long as you follow the instructions! 

Meet with your immigration advisor to help you identify your SEVIS transfer date and complete the SEVIS Transfer-out Form.