I-20 Transfer Guide for F-1 Students in Fullerton
How to successfully transfer your SEVIS record between schools while maintaining F-1 status
Quick Answer
Fullerton is home to California State University Fullerton and Fullerton College, making it a hub for international students on F-1 visas. Whether you're transferring from another school or planning to move to a different institution, understanding the I-20 transfer process is essential to maintaining your legal status. SoCal Immigration Services helps F-1 students navigate the transfer process successfully.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
Fullerton is home to California State University Fullerton and Fullerton College, making it a hub for international students on F-1 visas. Whether you're transferring from another school or planning to move to a different institution, understanding the I-20 transfer process is essential to maintaining your legal status. SoCal Immigration Services helps F-1 students navigate the transfer process successfully.
What is an I-20 Transfer?
Important: You don't physically 'transfer' your I-20 document. Instead, your SEVIS record is electronically transferred, and your new school issues you a new I-20.
When Can You Transfer?
- •After completing a program and wanting to start a new one
- •Changing schools before completing your current program
- •Moving from a language program to a degree program
- •Transferring from community college to university
- •Changing to a different school due to academic or personal reasons
- •After initial entry if admitted to multiple schools
Transfer Timeline Overview
| Stage | Timing |
|---|---|
| Accept New School Admission | Before requesting transfer release |
| Request Transfer Release | After final term at current school begins |
| SEVIS Release Date | Can be set up to 5 months in advance |
| Enroll at New School | Within 5 months of transfer release |
| Report to New DSO | Within 15 days of program start date |
| Start Classes | By the program start date on new I-20 |
Step-by-Step Transfer Process
- 1Apply and Get Accepted
Apply to your new school and receive admission. Make sure the school is SEVP-certified to issue I-20s.
- 2Request Transfer at New School
Contact the new school's international student office and request an I-20 transfer. Provide your current SEVIS ID number.
- 3Request Transfer Release
Ask your current school's DSO to release your SEVIS record. This is typically done after your final term begins.
- 4SEVIS Record Released
Your current school releases your record on the agreed date. You must maintain status until release.
- 5New School Issues I-20
Once transferred, your new school issues you a new I-20 with their information.
- 6Report to New School
Report to your new school's international student office within 15 days of your program start date.
Required Documents for Transfer
- •Current I-20 from your existing school
- •Admission letter from new school
- •Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
- •Current F-1 visa stamp (if traveling)
- •Financial documents showing ability to pay
- •Academic transcripts
- •Transfer eligibility form (if required by current school)
- •SEVIS ID number
Maintaining Status During Transfer
• Continue Full Course of Study: Maintain full-time enrollment until your release date
• Don't Work Without Authorization: CPT/OPT ends when you transfer
• 5-Month Rule: You must enroll at your new school within 5 months of your release date
• No Status Gaps: Your SEVIS record should not have gaps in active status
• Keep Documents: Maintain all immigration documents during the process
Transfer During OPT
• Pre-Completion OPT: Ends when you transfer to a new school
• Post-Completion OPT: You cannot transfer during post-completion OPT without losing it
• STEM OPT Extension: Lost if you transfer before completion
• Return to School: If you want to continue studying after OPT, you'll need a new I-20 and to begin a new program
Carefully consider whether transfer or completing OPT serves your goals better.
Transfer vs. Change of Status
| Transfer | Change of Status |
|---|---|
| Same visa category (F-1 to F-1) | Different visa category (e.g., B-2 to F-1) |
| Handled between schools | Requires USCIS application |
| No USCIS filing fee | Filing fee required |
| Processed through SEVIS | Processed through USCIS |
| Typically takes weeks | Can take months |
| Maintains current status | Requesting new status |
Common Transfer Scenarios
- •Community college to 4-year university (most common)
- •One university to another university
- •ESL program to degree program
- •Undergraduate to graduate school (after completing undergrad)
- •School closure requiring transfer
- •Academic difficulties requiring transfer
- •Personal/family reasons for relocating
Working During and After Transfer
• On-Campus Employment: Ends at your current school; can begin at new school after enrollment
• CPT: Must apply fresh at new school; previous CPT does not transfer
• OPT: Cannot transfer; must complete at current school or forfeit
• Economic Hardship: Must reapply at new school if needed
Always verify work authorization with your new school's DSO before starting any employment.
Transfer for Graduate School
• Complete Bachelor's First: You must complete your undergraduate degree before starting graduate school
• OPT Between: You can use OPT between degrees but lose it if you transfer to grad school
• New I-20: You'll receive a new I-20 reflecting graduate-level study
• Higher Tuition: Be prepared to show additional financial support for graduate programs
What Can Go Wrong
- •Not enrolling within 5 months of transfer release
- •Stopping attendance before release date
- •Working without proper authorization during transfer
- •Not reporting to new school within 15 days
- •Transferring to non-SEVP certified school
- •Not maintaining full course load before transfer
- •Missing registration deadlines at new school
- •Not updating address in SEVIS
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:Do I need a new visa stamp to transfer schools?
A: No, you don't automatically need a new visa stamp just to transfer schools. Your F-1 visa remains valid until its expiration date. However, if you travel outside the U.S., you'll need your new I-20 from the transfer school, and consular officers may ask about the transfer.
Q:How long does the I-20 transfer process take?
A: The SEVIS transfer itself is nearly instant once your current school releases your record. However, the overall process - from applying to a new school to receiving your new I-20 - typically takes 2-8 weeks depending on school processing times.
Q:Can I transfer if I'm out of status?
A: If you're out of status, you cannot do a regular transfer. You would need to either apply for reinstatement with USCIS or leave the U.S. and obtain a new F-1 visa. Consult with a DSO or immigration attorney immediately if you're out of status.
Q:Can I transfer in the middle of a semester?
A: While possible, mid-semester transfers are unusual and may complicate things. Most transfers occur at the end of a semester or academic year. Your current school may have policies about when they'll release your SEVIS record.
Q:What happens to my SEVIS record if I don't enroll at the new school?
A: If you don't enroll within 5 months of your transfer release date, your SEVIS record will be terminated, and you'll fall out of status. You would then need to leave the U.S. or seek reinstatement.
Q:Can I work while my transfer is processing?
A: Your work authorization is tied to your school. On-campus work at your current school can continue until your release date. After release, you cannot work until you're enrolled and registered at your new school and have obtained new work authorization if applicable.
Need Help with Your I-20 Transfer?
Our team helps F-1 students in Fullerton and Orange County navigate the transfer process successfully while maintaining valid status.