SEVIS Transfer

A “transfer” of your F-1/J-1 SEVIS record means to change your immigration sponsorship from one education institution in the US to another, in order to continue your F-1/J-1 studies. If your F-1 or J-1 status is currently 'SEVIS Active' at another institution in the U.S., you may be able to transfer your SEVIS record from your current school to UChicago. The SEVIS transfer is for immigration purposes only and is completely separate from transferring academic credits to the university.

If you do not have an active F-1/J-1 SEVIS record, you are not eligible for a SEVIS transfer.

Current UChicago Students Moving to a Higher Degree Level

Completing one academic program and starting a new one at the University of Chicago is similar to a SEVIS transfer, but is considered a change of education level/program. The timing and advantages of moving from one program to another at UChicago are the same as those for transfer students. However, the process is very different.  If you are changing in between UChicago programs, contact OIA several months before the change occurs.

• Eligibility
  

• Advantages to SEVIS Transfer
  

• Timing & I-20 Start Dates
  

• Transfer Instructions and Forms
  

• SEVIS Transfer FAQs

Eligibility for SEVIS Transfer

F-1 STUDENTS: You will be eligible for a SEVIS transfer if you meet all of the following criteria:

• You have continually maintained F-1 status at your current school (e.g. no status violations)

• You are currently in SEVIS 'Active' F-1 status (this includes periods of post-completion OPT) and have continually maintained status for the duration of your F-1 program.

  • NOTE: We cannot accept 'Completed' or 'Terminated' SEVIS records.

  • If you're unsure if your record is active, please confirm with your current international student adviser. 

  • If you previously had F-1/J-1 status but it has ended (e.g. you completed your program and departed the US, you are outside of your 60-day grace period, you changed statuses while in F-1 status, etc.), you will need to apply for a new, initial I-20 (not a transfer pending I-20) for your program at UChicago. You are not eligible for a SEVIS transfer. 

  • If you requested an I-20/DS-2019 from another school, did not attend that program, and now plan to attend UChicago, you need to request a new, initial I-20 (not a transfer pending I-20) from UChicago. Initial or canceled SEVIS records cannot be transferred. 

• Your UChicago program begins within 5-months of your current I-20 end-date or F-1 OPT EAD end-date.

  • See additional information in our SEVIS transfer timing FAQ.

J-1 STUDENTS: You will be eligible for a SEVIS transfer if you meet all of the following criteria:

• You are currently in SEVIS 'Active' J-1 status (this includes periods of post-completion AT) and have continually maintained status for the duration of your J-1 program (e.g. no status violations).

  • NOTE: We cannot accept 'Completed' or 'Terminated' SEVIS records.

• Your UChicago academic program begins immediately after the DS-2019 program end date from your previous program without any gap period (e.g. summer in between programs). If there is a gap between programs, you will need a new DS-2019.

• You are continuing the same academic objective listed on your DS-2019 (e.g. MA to MA, or increasing level MA to PhD).

• You cannot transfer your SEVIS record to complete a degree at a lower level.

• NOTE: Not all J-1 students will be eligible for SEVIS transfers. You must consult with your current school and OIA to review your J-1 transfer eligibility and confirm timing.

Advantages to Transferring your SEVIS record:

There are several advantages to transferring your SEVIS record, including:

• You keep your current SEVIS ID number and F-1 record

• You do not have to pay the SEVIS fee again

• If your F-1 visa is still valid, you can continue to use it until its expiration date.  It is OK if your old school's name is on your visa

• You will be allowed to remain in the U.S. or travel in and out of the U.S. in between programs

• You are not subject to the 30-day entry restriction (entering no earlier than 30 days before your program starts) and can enter the U.S. at any point before your program

• You can participate in any pre-program activities before your start date, as long as you have electronically checked in to OIA with your UChicago I-20.

• On-campus employment: you are eligible to engage in on campus employment 

SEVIS Transfer Timing

F-1 Students:
OIA must receive your transferred record within 60 days of your I-20 end-date or F-1 OPT EAD end-date. Consult with your current school to determine transfer timing. A few reminders:

• Your existing F-1 SEVIS record must be transferred from your current institution to the University of Chicago no later than the 60-day Grace Period following your I-20 end date

• If you are finishing OPT, you can transfer your SEVIS record during OPT or during the 60 day grace period following your OPT end date. 

• If you transfer your record while on post-completion OPT, your OPT will automatically end and any remaining OPT time will be forfeited.

• 5-month eligibility is based on the date classes begin at UChicago. A SEVIS Transfer date that exceeds 5-months will be rejected by SEVIS. Be sure to discuss with your current institution before selecting a SEVIS Transfer date.

• The latest a SEVIS record should be transfered to UChicago is 3 weeks prior to allow time for OIA to issue the I-20. If you are on OPT/STEM OPT with job responsibilities, please reach out to OIA if your SEVIS release date will be later.

J-1 Students:
Your record must be transferred before your current DS-2019 end date. There cannot be a gap between program dates.  You will need to work closely with both your old school and UChicago to determine J-1 transfer eligibility and transfer timing.

Steps to Transfer Your Record:

Before initiating a SEVIS transfer, please discuss timing and questions with the international student advisor at your current school.

1. When completing the I-20/DS-2019 Request with the University of Chicago, answer YES to the SEVIS Transfer Questionnaire (#3 on the Questionnaire list). You will then be asked to provide the SEVIS release date, SEVIS ID as well as a copy of your most recent I-20 or DS-2019. F-1 students on active OPT will be asked to upload a copy of their EAD. 

2. Your I-20/DS-2019 Request will be reviewed and accepted if complete/correct or rejected if any part is missing or incorrect

3. Your I-20/DS-2019 will be processed as of the SEVIS Release/Transfer Date (the date at which your current school will release/transfer your SEVIS record to the University of Chicago) NOTE: The University of Chicago will not have access to your SEVIS record before the SEVIS Release/Transfer date. Your I-20/DS-2019 will be issued within 3 weeks of this date.

4. Once issued, OIA will send the Transfer Pending I-20 to you via e-mail. "Transfer Pending" means your SEVIS record was successfully transferred to UChicago, however in order to complete the transfer, you must submit our International Check In Form within 5 days of your arrival to Chicago. Transfer Pending I-20s are valid for travel.

5. Once OIA processes your check in form, you will be issued a Continued Attendance I-20 signifying that the transfer is complete. At that time, you are ready to begin classes.

We cannot issue your new I-20 or DS-2019 until your SEVIS record has been electronically transferred from your previous institution to UChicago and the release date indicated on the transfer-in form has been reached. Please consult with your international student adviser at your current school regarding the transfer date. 

SEVIS Transfer-In FAQs