Transfer In to SIUE Procedures
Students transferring to SIUE from another institution must complete the admission process and receive a new I-20 or DS-2019. Contact the Office of Graduate and International Admissions at intladm@siue.edu for questions. You will need to follow your previous institutions transfer instructions to transfer your SEVIS record to SIUE.
Steps to Transferring your SEVIS record to SIUE
- Complete your SIUE application and be officially admitted to the university.
- Contact your current school’s International Student Services office to complete any requirements they require to transfer your SEVIS record to SIUE. Provide your acceptance letter, SIUE’s SEVIS school code: CHI214F10600000 and DSO name/contact information.
- After you have completed any classes in which you are currently enrolled, your school will be able to transfer your SEVIS record to SIUE. Once this record is transferred to us, the SIUE Graduate and International Admissions office will issue you a “Transfer-pending” I-20.
- Arrive on campus in time for the international student orientation, beginning the week before classes begin. After you complete mandatory immigration check-in, register for classes and attend orientation you will receive a “Continuing Attendance” I-20.
Traveling as a Transferring in to SIUE Student
Students who are transferring to SIUE may travel and re-enter the U.S. any time between school programs. However, transfer students must re-enter with their SIUE I-20 or DS-2019 and not the previous school's document.
Transferring Your SEVIS record to another SEVP certified institution
As a student with F-1 or J-1 status, your active immigration record can only be maintained by one institution in SEVIS. If you decide to transfer to another institution, your SEVIS record must be transferred. Transfer means changing universities or schools at the beginning, middle or end of a degree program or between degrees. Please consult with your international advisor and the international advisor at your new institution before transferring. Note that accepting transferred coursework is up to the institution you are transferring to. Consult with the Admissions office at your new institution about the acceptability of coursework being transferred.
Eligibility for a SEVIS Record Transfer
You are eligible for a transfer if your F-1 or J-1 status is valid at the time of transfer and have maintained your status. To transfer your SEVIS record you must meet one of the following:
- You are currently enrolled at SIUE
- F-1 students: 60 days after the program completion date or OPT end date, whichever is later.
- J-1 students: before the end date on your DS-2019
If you have been accepted to a new school in the U.S., you might be eligible to have your SEVIS record transferred. Having your SEVIS record transferred allows you to:
- Keep the same SEVIS ID number
- Not pay the I-901 SEVIS fee again
- Remain in the U.S. while you wait for your new program to start
Transferring Your SEVIS Record Procedures
Students transferring from SIUE to another institution must complete the Transfer Out Request below. You will need to upload a copy of your new institution's admission/acceptance email or letter and the SEVIS school code of your new institution. This can be found on your acceptance letter or obtained from your new DSO.
NOTE: SIUE only transfers students whose SEVIS records are in active status. SIUE will not release a terminated SEVIS record unless the transfer-in school agrees to accept the terminated record and assist the student in applying for reinstatement. Therefore, our office does not complete transfer-in forms or verification letters for new institutions to verify active F-1 status.
- Complete the SIUE Transfer-Out Request form. Your acceptance letter from your new institution will be required.
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Wait for your transfer out request to be processed by an ISSS advisor.
Please plan in advance. After we receive your transfer out request, it can take up to 5 business days to complete your SEVIS record release. Be sure to submit all required documents to prevent delays in processing.
The immigration advisor will release your SEVIS record to the new school on the date that you choose. The date of your release depends on your new program start date. We recommend choosing a SEVIS record release date prior to the start date of your new institution's Orientation start date.
To be eligible, you must maintain your immigration status at SIUE until the day you are transferred. F-1 students: your new program must begin within 5 months of your last enrollment at SIUE or the last day listed on your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if you are on Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Be aware that transferring your SEVIS record to another institution effectively ends any employment you may have associated with SIUE, including on-campus employment, OPT or CPT. Students may not continue to work at SIUE or with SIUE approved CPT or OPT after their SEVIS record has been released to another institution.
Withdrawing from the University
If you are planning on transferring and are currently enrolled in courses that you do not intend on completing, you must officially withdraw from classes by completing the university withdrawal form and submit it to the Service Center in Rendleman Hall, Room 1309. See the Service Center information about course drop deadlines and withdrawing from the university.
Traveling as a Transferring Out of SIUE Student
If the F-1 visa in your passport is still unexpired, you may continue to use it with your new school’s I-20. You will keep the same SEVIS number and you are considered to be a returning student.
If you need to apply for a new visa, you do not need to pay a new SEVIS fee because it is a continuation of the same SEVIS record.
