Transferring Out

The student must reenter the United States with a Form I-20/DS-2019 for the school that holds his or her active or initial record. We recommend that you time your travel and transfer to allow enough time for the new school to issue your new I-20/DS-2019. 

Your transfer release date is the date your SEVIS record moves from the University of Delaware to your new school.

After this date:

• CGPS can no longer access or update your SEVIS record.
• CGPS can no longer issue I-20s for you.
• Your new school's international office becomes responsible for your SEVIS record and future immigration reporting.
• You are no longer permitted to work on-campus at UD without off-campus work authorization.

Federal Transfer Requirements

When selecting a transfer release date, keep the following federal requirements in mind:

• Your new program should begin with the new school’s next available academic term or session.
• The gap between your current program and your new program generally cannot exceed five months.
• You must maintain eligibility for a SEVIS transfer up through your SEVIS release date.
• Students on OPT should consult CGPS before selecting a release date, as a transfer may affect OPT authorization and employment eligibility.

Travel Considerations

If you plan to travel internationally during the SEVIS transfer process, please discuss your travel plans with CGPS and with your new school's international office before you depart the United States.

Your required travel documents may change depending on:

• Whether you travel before or after your SEVIS transfer release date.
• Whether your new school has issued your transfer-pending I-20.
• The timing of your new program start date.
• Your current immigration status (enrolled student, graduating student, discontinued student, on OPT, etc.).

Transfer eligibility, deadlines, and procedures can vary depending on your academic and immigration status. Review the scenarios below to determine which best matches your situation and to understand important considerations before requesting a SEVIS transfer. If you are unsure which category applies to you, contact CGPS for guidance.

• I am graduating and starting a new degree program: You may be eligible to transfer your SEVIS record during your F-1 grace period following program completion.
• I am currently on OPT: A transfer release date can affect your OPT authorization and employment eligibility. Contact CGPS before selecting a transfer release date.
• I am transferring before completing my degree: You may be eligible to transfer to another institution before completing your program if you meet federal transfer requirements.
• I am withdrawing from the University: Transfer eligibility and timing may vary depending on your circumstances. Contact CGPS before withdrawing or leaving the University.

Once your SEVIS transfer release date arrives:

1. Your new school will automatically gain access to your SEVIS record.
2. Your new school can issue a transfer-pending I-20 (discuss the I-20 application process with your new school).
3. You must follow your new school's immigration check-in requirements and enrollment procedures.
4. Your new school becomes responsible for your SEVIS record and future immigration reporting.

Does a SEVIS transfer also transfer my academic credits?

No. A SEVIS transfer only transfers responsibility for your immigration record. Decisions regarding transfer credits are made by your new institution.
 

Can I change my transfer release date?

Possibly. Changing the SEVIS release date may be possible if your SEVIS record has not yet been released to your new school. Once the SEVIS record has been released to the new school, changes with the transfer may be difficult or impossible.
 

Can I transfer my SEVIS record if I am outside the United States?

Possibly. Eligibility depends on your individual circumstances and your new institution’s policies. Contact CGPS and your new school’s international office for guidance.
 

What happens if my plans change?

Contact CGPS immediately. Your options may depend on whether your SEVIS record has already been released to the new institution.

Questions about transferring your SEVIS record should be discussed with a CGPS immigration advisor before selecting a transfer release date or making travel plans. Please contact our office at oiss@udel.edu to discuss your transfer-out request.

J-1 Exchange Visitors follow a different transfer process. Unlike F-1 students, J-1 students do not select a SEVIS transfer release date. Instead, the transfer must be closely coordinated between the University of Delaware and the new school’s J-1 program sponsor before the transfer can occur.
 

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a J-1 Student transfer:

• You must be maintaining valid J-1 status.
• The transfer must be approved by both the University of Delaware and the new J-1 program sponsor.
• There must not be a gap between your current J-1 program and your new J-1 program. The transfer must occur so that your new institution is willing to accept responsibility for your SEVIS record upon release.
• The transfer must be completed before the end date on your current DS-2019 and before completion of your exchange visitor program.

How to Request a J-1 Transfer

1. Contact CGPS as soon as you decide to transfer.
2. Obtain admission or sponsorship from the new institution.
3. Complete our online transfer out application with the relevant information and documentation.
4. CGPS will work directly with the new institution to determine whether a J-1 transfer is possible and to coordinate the transfer process.

Travel Considerations

If you plan to travel internationally during the transfer process, consult CGPS before making travel arrangements. Travel may affect the timing of your transfer and the documents required for re-entry to the United States.

Important: J-1 transfer eligibility, timing, and procedures vary by program and sponsor. Contact CGPS before making commitments to a new school or selecting a departure date from UD.