SEVIS Transfer

Only one school at a time can access your F-1 SEVIS record. On the SEVIS I-20 transfer/release date, SEVIS access “transfers” from UB to your new school.

The SEVIS transfer affects your F-1 benefits, including employment, travel, and I-20 validity.

On the SEVIS transfer/release date:

• UB loses access to your electronic SEVIS record
• Your new school gains access to your electronic SEVIS record; your new school can create your new I-20 only after the SEVIS transfer/release date
• OPT authorization is cancelled (regardless of end date printed on EAD)
• On-campus work authorization is cancelled
• The UB I-20 is no longer valid for travel to the U.S.

Consider the following points when deciding on your SEVIS Transfer date:

• Allow 7 business days for processing after you submit your completed SEVIS I-20 transfer request.
• ISS cannot set a past date as the SEVIS I-20 transfer date. If ISS receives/processes your SEVIS I-20 transfer request after your requested transfer date, ISS will transfer the SEVIS record on the day of ISS processing.
• You cannot cancel a SEVIS transfer on or after the transfer/release date; you can only request to cancel the SEVIS transfer/release prior to the transfer/release date.
• During the Fall or Spring semester the earliest transfer out date is the day after the last day of classes. If taking summer classes:
  • If you are enrolled in any seated courses you cannot request a transfer date during your summer session. The transfer date would be the day after your summer session ends.
  • If you are only enrolled for thesis/dissertation credits you may request a transfer date at any point during the summer.
• Consult your new school and find out if there is a deadline to have your SEVIS record transferred.
• If you will travel outside the U.S. before the start of classes at your new school, you must have a new I-20 from that school before you can return to the U.S. 
• Your on-campus work authorization ends when your SEVIS record is transferred or when you graduate, whichever comes first. You may not work on campus after your degree conferral.
•  If you recently graduated, you must have your SEVIS record transferred before the end of your 60-day grace period.  After your 60-day grace period, your SEVIS record is no longer active and cannot be transferred.

• You may transfer at any time during your OPT, but your employment authorization will end the day your record is transferred.
• If you maintained your status on OPT, the latest date to request a transfer is 7 business days before the end of your 60-day grace period.
• If you are on OPT and nearing the end of your permitted unemployment time, you should request a SEVIS transfer at least 7 business days before exceeding the unemployment limit. Keep in mind that DHS can terminate your SEVIS record for exceeding unemployment. Once your SEVIS record is terminated, a SEVIS transfer is not possible.
• The start of classes at your new school must be within 5 months of the requested SEVIS I-20 transfer/release date or the end date on your EAD card, whichever is earlier.

As part of the application process, some schools will ask you to submit a “transfer form,” which UB’s International Student Services must complete.  On this form, we will confirm your F-1 student status.

If your new school requires that UB complete a transfer form before they will grant you admission, please provide that form to ISS by emailing iss@buffalo.edu. Once you have an admission letter from your new school, you should follow the directions below and complete the “SEVIS Transfer Request” e-form.

1. After you have been accepted to a school and decided that you want to attend that school, please log in to UB Global by clicking on the  “Login” button and using your UBIT Name and Password to access the portal.  
2. Click on “F-1 Student Services” and then “SEVIS Transfer Request”.  You must complete the entire e-form and upload all required documents before you can submit your application.  Only documents saved as a PDF or JPEG are acceptable. You must upload the following:
   • A copy of the admission letter from your new school
   • Transfer form from your new school (if required by your new school)
   • EAD Card (if you are approved for Optional Practical Training at the time of transfer.) 

ISS will review your “SEVIS Transfer Request” e-form and, if all required documents were submitted, will electronically send your SEVIS record to the school you requested.  Your new school can then create your new I-20.  To find out when your new I-20 will be ready, please contact your new school.

After we release your SEVIS record, ISS will no longer have access to your record nor will we be able to make revisions to your I-20.  Please be certain of your transfer decision before asking us to release your SEVIS record.

You may stay in the U.S. in between programs if the SEVIS record transfer procedures are correctly followed. If the period between programs is longer than 5 months, your new school must issue a new initial I-20 with a new SEVIS number. If using an initial I-20 to return, you must leave the U.S. within your 60-day grace period and re-enter no earlier than 30 days before your new program start date.

You must enter the U.S. on the I-20 from the new school. It is important to discuss your travel plans with your international student adviser at the new school so that an appropriate “transfer out” date and new I-20 issuance can be coordinated to facilitate your travel.

As long as you have followed the proper transfer procedures, you will be able to use your current, unexpired F-1 visa to reenter the U.S. even though it has your previous school name printed on it.

If your F-1 visa will expire in between degree programs, remember you can stay in the U.S. with an expired F-1 visa as long as you are following the correct SEVIS transfer procedures. You must apply for a new F-1 visa if you travel internationally. For more information, see our U.S. Visa section.

Your on-campus work authorization ends when your SEVIS record is transferred or when you graduate, whichever comes first. You may not work on campus after your degree conferral.

You may only work on campus at the school that has access to your SEVIS record. Contact the international student adviser at your new school to verify employment eligibility.