Transferring to SBU
International students who are admitted to Stony Brook University from another U.S.
college, university, high school or language program in F-1 status are considered
“SEVIS Transfers." This refers to the transfer of the student’s SEVIS record from
one institution to another.
You are also considered a SEVIS Transfer if you have completed a program or period
of Post-Completion OPT at one school and then begin a new program at Stony Brook within
5 months.
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
- 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.
Step 1: Speak to your current school
Upon admission to SBU, inform your current International Student Advisor that you
plan to transfer. We will contact them 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 2: Request your new I-20/DS-2019
Once you have been admitted to SBU, login to accessVIS and submit all required forms in the 'Request a Form I-20/DS-2019' tab.
Step 3: Submit the International Student Transfer Report
You must submit the International Student Transfer Report on the SEVIS Transfer tab.
The international advisor at your current school will receive an email with instructions
to complete their section of the form.
Step 4: Receive your I-20/DS-2019 from Stony Brook
Stony Brook will issue you a Transfer-Pending I-20/DS-2019.
Step 5: Complete the Immigration Intake upon arrival to SBU
You must 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-20s
for Intake procedures.
Can I travel outside of the U.S. in between programs after my transfer-out date?
Yes, you can. If you plan to travel abroad after completing your studies at your previous
institution but before starting your program at Stony Brook University, you must re-enter
the U.S. with:
- Form I-20 issued by Stony Brook University
- Valid Visa
- Valid Passport
Students with a "Transfer Pending" I-20 may return to the U.S. at any time before
the program start date on the transfer I-20. You are considered to be a returning
student and not a new student with an initial I-20, so you are not restricted from
entering the U.S. more than 30 days before your new program start date.
Be sure to use your Stony Brook issued I-20 at the port of entry.
Do I need a new F-1 visa?
If you have a valid, unexpired visa in your passport, you do not need to apply for
a new visa. You may use the visa you have, even though the previous school's name
is on it. However, please note that this is a risk.
If you have an expired visa and are traveling outside of the U.S., you will need to
apply for a new visa, but you are not required to pay the SEVIS fee again.
What should my transfer release date be?
Your transfer release date should be your school's current semester or session completion
date, or the date of expected transfer if earlier than the established academic cycle.
If you are on your period of post-completion OPT and wish to complete your OPT period,
your transfer release date should be the last day of your OPT authorization period.
Am I still eligible for OPT at my previous school after the transfer-out date?
No. Any OPT authorization ends on the transfer release date for a student who requests
a transfer to another SEVP-certified school or a change of education level to continue
at the same school.
Continuing to work on OPT even one day beyond the Transfer Release date would be viewed
as a status violation.
How soon can I work on-campus at Stony Brook?
A student may begin employment at the transfer-in school after the transfer release
date.
Does time at the transfer-out school count towards the one full academic year provision
for employment and practical training?
Yes, a transfer student can count the time spent studying at the transfer-out school
toward any regulatory requirement that the student be "in F -1 status for a full academic
year" in order to qualify for employment.
When will I get my I-20 from Stony Brook?
Once your SEVIS record is released to us, we will be notified and will issue you a
Transfer Pending I-20.
Why does my I-20 say 'Transfer Pending'?
All SEVIS Transfer students are given a Transfer Pending I-20 until they complete
the Immigration Intake procedure on accessVIS and enroll in classes.
Students will then be given a Transfer Completed I-20.