Transferring to SBU
Students who are admitted to Stony Brook University from another U.S. college, university, high school or language program on F-1 status are considered “transfers”. This refers to the transfer of the student’s SEVIS record from one institution to another. Students in J-1 status can only transfer to Stony Brook if they will continue to pursue the same program objective.
Eligibility
You are eligible to transfer to Stony Brook University if you:
- Are maintaining lawful F-1/J-1 status,
- Meet all academic requirements for admission and
- Submit documentation necessary for the issuance of an I-20/DS-2019.
Please Note: Your course of study at Stony Brook must begin during the next available term, or within 5 months of the end of your course of study/OPT participation at your transfer-out school, whichever is earlier. Because each student's case may differ, contact Visa and Immigration Services for additional guidance .
Transfer-In Process
Step 1: | Once you’ve applied to SBU, login to accessVIS and submit all required forms in the Request a Form I-20/DS-2019 tab. You also must submit the International Student Transfer Report on the SEVIS Transfer tab. |
Step 2: | Upon admission to SBU, inform your current/previous International Student Advisor you plan to transfer. We will contact him/her to release your SEVIS record to Stony Brook University. Stony Brook cannot issue you an I-20/DS-2019 until your SEVIS record is released. |
Step 3: | Stony Brook will issue you a Transfer-Pending I-20/DS-2019. |
Step 4: | Complete the Immigration Intake procedures in accessVIS and attend the New International Student Orientation. |
Important Note: Students who leave the United States between transfers must use Stony Brook University’s I-20 when arriving for inspection at the port-of-entry. Please keep all previous I-20 for Intake procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions: