SEVIS Transfer
If you are studying at another institution in the U.S. and want to study at the University of Maryland you must have your SEVIS record transferred. It is important to follow SEVIS transfer procedures carefully because failure to complete the transfer process in a timely manner is a violation of your status. Loss of status will exclude students from benefits such as authorized employment. Contact OIS at 301.314.7740 for more information about transfers.
Transfer Implications
Travel Between Studies
If you will travel abroad between the times when you are studying at your old school and your new school you should speak with an International Student Advisor. In some cases you may need to receive a completely new I-20/DS-2019 instead of transferring your SEVIS record.
Timelines
F-1 students must transfer their SEVIS record to the new institution within 60 days of the completion of their degree (I-20 end date, or OPT end date).
J-1 student must transfer their SEVIS record to the new institution within 30 days of the completion of their degree (DS-2019 end date or AT end date).
Incomplete degree:
If your I-20/DS-2019 is still valid and you wish to transfer prior to the completion of your degree requirements you should speak with an International Student Advisor. Individual school policies may affect when you are able to transfer.
Effect on Work
On-campus:
On-campus work may only be performed at the school which holds your SEVIS record. Once your SEVIS record is transferred to the transfer in school, your work must end at transfer out school.
J-1 students are required to have authorization for on-campus work.
Off-campus:
Off-campus work authorizations such as OPT and AT will end on the date your SEVIS record is transferred to the new school.
Transferring INTO the University of Maryland
- Complete section A of the "Transfer In Form" and ask the International Student Advisor at your current ("old") school to complete Section B. The advisor will fax or mail the form to us. You should ask the advisor for a copy of your records at that school for your files.
- Your "old" school will need to then transfer your SEVIS record to UMCP on the date you tell them. This should be within 60 days of completing your studies there.
- After both the previous steps have been completed OIS can issue you a UMCP I-20/DS-2019.
- Sign page one of the I-20/DS-2019 when you receive it.
- Attend the University of Maryland "International Student Orientation." Bring your all your I-20s/DS-2019s, including the UMCP I-20/DS-2019, passport, I-94 card and proof of health insurance to the session called "Documents Check.
- The Office of International Services (OIS) will officially complete the transfer process once you have attended Orientation and registered for the required number of courses.