F-1 Transfer from UT Austin to Another School

F-1 students with an active SEVIS record at UT Austin who are either enrolled or on OPT/STEM OPT and who are admitted to a new program of study at a different educational institution in the U.S. must request to have their F-1 SEVIS record transferred from UT Austin to their new school in order to legally remain in the U.S. between academic programs (or between OPT/STEM OPT and the new academic program).

Benefits of SEVIS Transfer

As stated above, SEVIS transfer is required if the student wishes to remain in the U.S. between programs. SEVIS transfer also has these benefits:

  • SEVIS transfer allows the student to maintain the same SEVIS ID number, so the student does not have to pay the SEVIS fee again.
  • F-1 students must complete one academic year before they are eligible for F-1 practical training (CPT/OPT). SEVIS transfer allows the student to maintain their eligibility for F-1 practical training—the student’s time spent studying at UT Austin under the same SEVIS ID will count towards the one academic year requirement for CPT/OPT.

Understanding the SEVIS Transfer Release Date

Part of requesting a transfer means choosing a SEVIS Transfer Release Date. This is the date that your electronic immigration record will be transferred from UT Austin to your new school. 

After your SEVIS Transfer Release Date, UT Austin will no longer have access to your F-1 SEVIS record. Any benefits associated with your UT Austin F-1 SEVIS record (such as on-campus employment, CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT) will automatically end on the Transfer Release Date. Even if your OPT/STEM OPT EAD card has a future end date, the Transfer Release will invalidate your OPT/STEM OPT. Choose a transfer release date after your last day of employment.

Your new school will be able to issue you an I-20 (with the same SEVIS ID number) after your Transfer Release Date. If you have questions about how long this I-20 issuance process will take, please consult your new school.

Transfer for Enrolled Students or Students Who Recently Graduated 

To be eligible for transfer, you must meet all the following criteria:

  • You are in valid F-1 status.
  • You have been admitted to a program of study at another institution in the U.S.
  • The first day of instruction for your new program of study is no more than 5 months from the last day of finals of your last semester at UT.
  • You are submitting your transfer request before the end of your 60-day grace period.
Transfer for Students on OPT/STEM OPT

To be eligible for transfer, you must meet all the following criteria:

  • You are in valid F-1 status.
  • You have been admitted to a program of study at another institution in the U.S.
  • You have fulfilled all of your OPT or STEM OPT reporting requirements. 
  • You will not exceed the OPT/STEM OPT unemployment limit prior to the transfer date.
  • The first day of instruction for your new program of study is no more than 5 months from the end of your OPT/STEM OPT period.
  • You are submitting your transfer request before the end of your 60-day grace period following the end of your OPT/STEM OPT. (You can also request a transfer before your EAD end date. If you do this, your OPT/STEM OPT will become invalidated on your transfer release date. Choose a transfer release date after your last day of employment.)
How to Request a Transfer of your F-1 SEVIS Record:
  1. Obtain admission to a new school.
  2. Complete and submit the F-1 Transfer Out Release Form in myIO. You will be asked for the following:
    • Your new school’s name.
    • Your new school’s SEVIS code. (If you do not know this, ask your new school.)
    • First day of classes at your new school.
    • Your international travel plans (if any), as being outside the U.S. can impact your eligibility for transfer.
    • Your requested SEVIS transfer release date.
    • Your admission letter to your new school. This must contain your name, the term/semester and year of your admission, and must be on official university letterhead.