F-1 and J-1 Students planning to transfer their SEVIS Record from UCI to another school in the U.S. must follow the SEVIS transfer process to maintain valid visa status.
Determine if you are eligible for a SEVIS Record Transfer
- You must be maintaining valid F-1 or J-1 visa status.
- You have been admitted by the transfer-in school.
- Your studies at the transfer-in school must begin at the next available term.
- F-1 students: The term at the transfer-in school must be no more than 5 months from the end of your degree at UCI.
- J-1 students only:
- A SEVIS record cannot be transferred during the 30-day grace period.
- You can not have a gap between your DS-2019 end date and start date at the new school.
- If you have received a recommendation from the U.S. Department of State for a waiver of the two-year home residency requirement, you may not be eligible for a SEVIS record transfer.
- F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- You must be able to start classes at the transfer-in school within 5 months of the transfer release date, or the date your OPT authorization ends, whichever is earlier.
- Your OPT authorization ends on the date of your SEVIS record transfer release date.
Determine Your SEVIS Record Release Date
You must let the International Center know what date you will like to use as the SEVIS Record Release Date. This is the date you want your SEVIS Record released to the transfer-in school. Read the information below to determine the best date for your individual circumstances. Submit promptly to the International Center and keep in mind the processing time at the International Center.
You are a student completing your degree at UCI
F-1 students:
- The SEVIS Release Date should be after the last day of your final quarter at UCI.
- Your request must be processed within the 60-day grace period.
- Allow processing time at the International Center. Submit your request at least 10 days before your 60-day grace period.
F-1 students on F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT):
- You may use a release date during the OPT period or during the 60-day grace period.
- Allow processing time at the International Center. If you are submitting your request during the grace period, allow at least 10 days for processing time.
- Once your SEVIS release date is reached your OPT work authorization will end.
J-1 Students:
- You must request a SEVIS record transfer out date before the end of your DS-2019.
- The SEVIS record cannot transfer during the 30-day grace period.
- You should meet with a Student Advisor to coordinate the release of your record with the new school.
Withdrawing/Leaving UCI without completing degree
- If you are leaving UCI because of withdrawal; you must request your SEVIS record be transferred to your new school.
- You should schedule an appointment with an International Student Advisor to determine the SEVIS release date.
Dismissal due to suspension or academic disqualification
- Students dismissed from UCI due to suspension or academic disqualification may be able to request that their SEVIS record be released to a new school.
- Contact the International Center to meet with an International Center Advisor to discuss your SEVIS release date.
How to Request a SEVIS Record Transfer
- Complete a Student Check-Out form and attach a copy of your admission letter.
- Submit using the International Center Student Upload Tool.
- You will receive an email message once your Student Check-Out form is processed. The message will confirm that your SEVIS record has been scheduled to be transferred.
What Happens After the SEVIS Record Release Date is Reached
- The transfer-in school will have access to your SEVIS Record.
- The transfer-in school is now able to update your SEVIS Record and issue you a visa document (I-20 or DS-2019) for your new program.
- UCI will no longer have access to your SEVIS Record.
- Questions about your status and SEVIS Record should be directed to your new school.
- If you were on OPT your EAD will no longer be valid.
Reminders:
- Be sure to keep all copies of your visa documents (I-20 or DS-2019) from UCI in a safe place.
- Verification of academic records or academic status should be requested to the UCI Office of the Registrar.