If you are planning to leave IU to study at a different institution in the United States, you will need to transfer your SEVIS record to your new college or university. This allows you to keep your unique SEVIS ID number, which is critical for maintaining your legal status in the United States.
Transfer your SEVIS record from IU to a new institution
To have your SEVIS record released, you will need to request the transfer via Atlas. You will need to take the following steps:
- Log in to Atlas.
- On the left side of the page, click SEVIS Transfer.
- Complete the SEVIS Transfer Out form. Pay special attention to the date you are requesting that OIS release your SEVIS record to your new institution. As of that date, your SEVIS record will belong to your new school.
- To submit the SEVIS Transfer Out form, you need to upload a copy of your admission letter to the new school.
Although you may be applying to multiple institutions, Indiana University may only transfer your SEVIS record to one institution.
Transfer guidelines for specific situations
Make sure to request and receive your SEVIS transfer before the start of the next academic term (fall or spring).
You must request your release and the release must be granted within 60 days following the completion of your IU program. You must also start your new program within five months of completing your IU program.
EXAMPLE: If you completed your bachelor’s degree at IU on May 4, you must request and receive a SEVIS transfer no later than July 3 AND you must begin your new program no later than October 3.
You can be outside the country for no more than five months without being registered in course work in the United States to be eligible for a transfer.
If you plan to be outside the country for more than five months and do not intend to register in U.S.-based course work during that time, or have already been outside of the United States for more than five months, you are not eligible for a SEVIS transfer. Your new institution will need to make a new I-20 with a new SEVIS ID for your re-entry, you will need to pay the SEVIS fee again, and you will need to apply for a new F-1 visa per Department of State regulations.
Your OPT will end on the date that your SEVIS record is released to your new institution. OPT authorization is not transferable.
If you intend to have your SEVIS record transferred after your OPT ends, you will need to keep in mind that you must request the release of your SEVIS record and have that release granted within 60 days following the completion of your OPT.
Things to know about transferring your SEVIS record
A SEVIS transfer applies only to immigration documentation. Academic records are not included in this process.
When you request a SEVIS transfer, the transfer release date will be the day you complete your program, the final day of the last semester that you are enrolled at Indiana University, or a different date that you request, whichever is later. Carefully read the timing information noted in the scenario above that best fits your situation.
If you decide to cancel your transfer, you must notify us in writing before your transfer release date. After that date, we will no longer have access to your SEVIS record. In addition, all travel and employment benefits authorized through Indiana University will end on your transfer release date.
After your SEVIS transfer is complete
If you are planning to travel outside the United States after your record has been transferred, but before beginning the program at your new school, remember that you must re-enter the United States with your new school’s I-20.
No matter what your plans are, you must report to the new school within 15 days of the start of your new SEVIS document.
For assistance or more detailed information, contact us.