Yes, an F-1 visa holder can transfer their visa from one school to another. To do this, they must first be accepted to a new Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. Once they have been accepted, they must contact their current school's Designated School Official (DSO) and request a transfer of their SEVIS record. The DSO will then transfer the student's SEVIS record to the new school. Once the student's SEVIS record has been transferred, they will receive a new Form I-20 from the new school's DSO. The student can then use this new Form I-20 to enter the United States and begin their studies at the new school.
Here are the steps on how to transfer an F-1 visa from one school to another:
- Get accepted to a new SEVP-certified school.
- Contact your current school's DSO and request a transfer of your SEVIS record.
- Complete the SEVIS transfer process.
- Receive a new Form I-20 from the new school's DSO.
- Use the new Form I-20 to enter the United States and begin your studies at the new school.
It is important to note that there is a 60-day deadline to transfer your SEVIS record to a new school after your current school's program end date. If you do not transfer your SEVIS record within this time frame, your F-1 status will be terminated.
You may also need to apply for a new F-1 visa if you are transferring schools while outside of the United States. To do this, you will need to submit a new Form DS-160 and pay the visa application fee. You will also need to attend a visa interview at a US embassy or consulate.
