How to transfer the SEVIS?

Day 1 CPT Universities
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Hi all! If you are considering enrolling in the Day 1 CPT program after not being selected in the H-1B lottery, transferring SEVIS might be the most confusing step for you, but actually it’s really quick and easy! Let’s see how to do so :star_struck:

Step 1: Notify your previous school

Contact the International Student Office at the current institution of your intent to transfer. You will likely need to complete specific forms or an online process to initiate the SEVIS transfer.

  • Eligibility Check: Make sure that your SEVIS record is active. Be mindful of the 60-day grace period post-graduation or post-OPT to remain eligible for transfer.

Step 2: Set a SEVIS Transfer Release Date

  • Coordinate with your current school to determine the SEVIS transfer release date. This date is critical as it affects your OPT status and potential employment continuity.

Step 3: Action Required by Transfer-In School

Once the transfer release date has passed, your new school will take over your SEVIS record and issue a new Form I-20. This form is essential for maintaining your nonimmigrant student status.

  • Finalize your transfer and enrollment with the new school’s international office. This transition typically requires 5-8 business days.
  • How to deal with the gap while transferring SEVIS??? Let your employer know, and ask them to give you an “unpaid leave.”

To make it clear, let’s see detailedly in the timeline sample:

  • May 24: Start the application and submit all required documents.

  • June 3: Receive offer letter from the school.

  • June 11: Contact your current school to obtain the necessary forms for the SEVIS transfer and schedule the transfer.

  • June 12: Connect with Westcliff DSO, and prepare the CPT agreement.

  • June 24: Initiate the SEVIS transfer.

  • June 25: Submit all CPT-related documents, including the offer letter and CPT agreement.

  • June 29: SEVIS transfer completed and new I-20 issued.

  • July 1: CPT starts.

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If the OPT end date is before the start date of the new school – you can transfer your SEVIS after OPT ends. There is a 60-day grace period after OPT ends. As long as the SEVIS is transferred to the new school before the grace period expires, you can legally stay in the U.S. while waiting for school to start. However, after the SEVIS transfer, you must enroll in the first available semester and cannot defer to a later term. Between the end of OPT and the start of CPT at the new school, you are not allowed to work.

If the OPT end date is after the start date of the new school – you need to transfer SEVIS before the school starts. Many students ask how to achieve a seamless transition. Actually, a seamless transition is the ideal scenario, but in most cases, there will be a gap, and you may need to request about a week of unpaid leave from your company. This is because once your current school transfers out your SEVIS, your OPT ends. The new school needs to receive the SEVIS record before they can issue CPT, and it takes time to review your CPT application materials and prepare the CPT I-20. However, you can shorten the gap. After confirming the SEVIS transfer-out date with your current school, you can submit your CPT application early to the new school, so they can begin reviewing your materials. Then, confirm the SEVIS transfer-out date with the new school to allow them time to prepare.

However, it is still recommended to have a gap when transferring schools. Because if the transition is too seamless, USCIS may question whether the primary purpose is truly for study or if the new school enrollment was mainly for continuing work.

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