University at Buffalo (UB)
Transferring to UB from Other U.S. Schools
Before you can transfer to UB from another U.S. school, you must understand how a transfer may affect your immigration status.
If you are already in the U.S. as an F-1 or J-1 student, it may be possible to transfer your SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) record from your current school to UB.
As a SEVIS transfer student, you will receive a “Transfer Pending from (current school)” I-20 instead of an “Initial” I-20.
To be eligible for a SEVIS transfer, you must:
- Have maintained your F-1 student status
- Be admitted to UB in time for your SEVIS record to be transferred.
- Your record must be transferred on or before the last day of your 60-day grace period.
- Continue to maintain status at your current school until your transfer release date.
- Begin classes at UB within 5 months of your transfer release date OR the last day you studied at your previous school OR at the start of the next available academic term, whichever is earlier.
- The only exception to the requirement to enroll during the next available term is when it is a summer vacation. To be eligible for this exception, you must have been enrolled at a U.S. school for a full academic year AND you must enroll within five months of your transfer release date.
The rules for J-1 students’ transfers differ from those for F-1 students. If you are a J-1 student hoping to transfer, contact ISS for advice.
If you meet all the conditions for a SEVIS transfer, you do not need to pay the SEVIS fee again.
Yes, but you must re-enter the U.S. using the I-20/DS-2019 issued by the school that has your SEVIS record at the time of entrance.
Visit our Visa Information page to learn about transferring to UB during OPT or in your 60-day grace period.