Overview
A transfer is when one educational institution sends a student's immigration record to a different educational institution. For J-1 students, a transfer typically happens when a student changes schools or program sponsor.
Timeline
A transfer can occur in the middle of a degree program, after completing a degree program, or after engaging in a period of Academic Training (AT). A transfer must occur prior to the end date listed on the current DS-2019.
Eligibility
- Must study the same major at new institution
- Must study at the same level, or higher level, as degree program at ISU
- Students in the nondegree category can only transfer to a nondegree program at new institution and within the same major
Transfer-In Process
The transfer-in process differs depending on a student's status at the university. New or incoming students need to work with the Office of Admissions to start the process, whereas current or continuing ISU students will need to work with an International Student Advisor.
ISSO Processing
ISSO will send an e-mail to the student's ISU e-mail address when processing is complete. If this e-mail is not received in 10 working days as previously noted, ISSO recommends contacting the office by e-mail at isso@iastate.edu to request the status of the application.
Cancel Transfer Request
Students can cancel the transfer by notifying their program sponsor prior to the SEVIS release date, the date the immigration record is transferred. If a student changes their mind after the SEVIS release date, they must work with an International Student Advisor at ISU to correct their SEVIS record.
Transfer-Out Process: Cystart Request
Transfer requests can be submitted through an electronic process in Cystart. Students may log in to Cystart using their ISU NetID and password. Complete and submit the Transfer from ISU request found under J-1 Student Services tab.
Students are not required to meet with an International Student Advisor, but students may wish to meet with an advisor to discuss the SEVIS release date, the date the immigration record is transferred.
Timeline
Students should request a transfer at least 10 working days before their current DS-2019 expires.
Required Documentation
Students must submit an admission letter from the U.S. institution where they wish to be transferred.
ISSO Processing
It will take ISSO up to 10 working days after submitting the Transfer from ISU e-form in Cystart and ISSO receives a response from academic/faculty adviser. ISSO will send an e-mail to the student's ISU e-mail address when processing is complete. If this e-mail is not received in 10 working days as previously noted, ISSO recommends contacting the office by e-mail at isso@iastate.edu to request the status of the application.
Additional Steps
- Withdraw from ISU if enrolled for the current/future semesters to avoid charges for tuition and fees
- Process begins with academic/faculty advisor
- Notify the Department of Residence if living in a residence hall or university apartment
Cancel Transfer Request
ISSO can cancel the transfer before the SEVIS release date. Students must contact ISSO at isso@iastate.edu in advance to request a cancellation. Students who wish to cancel a transfer request after the SEVIS release date will need to work with the new U.S. school and ISSO to correct the SEVIS record.
The New DS-2019
The new school must wait until the SEVIS record is released to issue the new DS-2019.
Initial DS-2019
This type of DS-2019 is issued for the purpose of initial attendance. An initial DS-2019 can be problematic for students, as they must reenter the U.S. and can return to the U.S. no more than 30 days prior to the report date on the new DS-2019. Students are advised to inform the international office at the new school that they intend to transfer their SEVIS record.
Impact on Employment
End Date for Employment (AT and On-Campus)
Students must stop all employment the day before the SEVIS release date. Policies vary between schools, so please consult with the International Student Advisor at the new school regarding the earliest on-campus employment date.
Impact on Travel
Students who have transferred their records must use the DS-2019 from the new school to return to the U.S.
J-1 Visa
Students who transfer their SEVIS record to a new school only need to apply for a new J-1 visa if their previous J-1 visa has expired and they will be traveling outside of the U.S. In that situation, a student will need to apply for a new J-1 visa before they will be able to return to the U.S.
Immigration Consequences
Failure to apply for a transfer may result in the following:
- Students who have not completed their academic program with a DS-2019 end date in the future can continue enrollment at ISU and request a future transfer.
- Students whose DS-2019 end date is in the past are in violation of their J-1 nonimmigrant status. Students in this situation should email ISSO for assistance.
- Students who completed their academic program but failed to request a SEVIS transfer within the timeframe outlined above are in violation of their J-1 nonimmigrant status. Students in this situation should email ISSO for assistance.