Transferring SEVIS Data From Another U.S. School

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) considers any move from one U.S. school to another as a "SEVIS transfer," even if the student has graduated from the first institution.

The transfer of your SEVIS record from one school to another allows you to keep the same SEVID ID number for the duration of studies in the U.S.

Basic Process

  1. Accept your offer of Admission from The Pennsylvania State University
  2. Complete the New Student Visa Documentation Process in iStart - including the optional form called "SEVIS Transfer Request."
  3. Have your case approved by Pre-Arrival Advising. The proper school code and transfer-in data will be provided to you and your current school when your iStart request is approved.
  4. Contact your current institution and complete any requirements for their “transfer-out process”
  5. Your Penn State I-20 will be sent to you electronically once the document is issued.

Important Notes

  • A SEVIS transfer is a transfer of immigration documentation - not academic records.
  • Penn State does not have a "transfer-in form."  The school information and proper campus will be supplied via email with the approval of your request in iStart.
  • It is important that your current school transfers your SEVIS record to the correct Penn State campus. Your SEVIS record must be released to Penn State within sixty (60) days following the completion of study at your current institution or completion of OPT.
  • The transfer date is determined by you and your current institution.
  • Optional Practical Training: Your OPT will terminate on the date that your SEVIS record is released to Penn State. OPT authorization is not transferrable.
  • You have only 15 days after the start of Penn State classes to get into registered status in SEVIS.  The registration process includes: completing Mandatory Document Check-in through iStart, and attending all mandatory international student orientation sessions.
  • Penn State cannot print your new I-20 / DS-2019 document until after your record has been released to The Pennsylvania State University in SEVIS.