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• Transfer to Penn
• Transfer from Penn
• FAQ

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F-1 and J-1 Student Transfer to Penn

If you currently hold an F-1 or J-1 student visa that is sponsored by another institution and you plan to commence studies at Penn, you must complete a transfer of your student visa.

If you plan to remain in the US before commencing your program at Penn:

1. Submit your Application for I-20 or DS-2019 Form to ISSS with current financial documents and our Transfer-In Form (fillable PDF). Be sure to indicate your plans to stay in the US on your application. The Transfer-In Form must be submitted before an I-20 or DS-2019 can be issued.
2. You will receive a "transfer pending I-20" or DS-2019 Form from ISSS.
3. Report to ISSS to complete your visa transfer. F-1 students must report to ISSS within 15 days of the program start date; J-1 students must report to ISSS within 30 days of the program start date.
4. You will receive a new I-20 or DS-2019 Form from Penn (for yourself and for dependents) confirming that your transfer has been completed.

If you plan to leave and reenter the US before commencing your program at Penn:

1. Submit your Application for I-20 or DS-2019 Form to ISSS (with current financial documents and our Transfer-In Form). Be sure to indicate your plans to travel outside of the US on your application. The Transfer-In Form must be submitted before an I-20 or DS-2019 can be issued.
2. You will receive a "transfer pending I-20" or DS-2019 Form from ISSS.
3. Apply for student visa (F-1 or J-1) in your home country, if applicable. For more information, see Obtaining a Visa.
4. Reenter the US using Penn's I-20 or DS-2019 Form. For more information, see Entering the US.
5. Report to ISSS and register within 30 days of the program start date.
6. You will receive a new I-20 or DS-2019 Form from Penn (for yourself and for dependents) confirming that your transfer has been completed.

F-1 and J-1 Student Transfer from Penn

If your student visa is currently sponsored by Penn and you wish to transfer to another University in the next academic semester, you must follow these procedures:

1. Receive your confirmed admission from the new institution.
2. Contact your academic department to inform them about your intensions to transfer.
3. Complete our Transfer-out Form and any required forms from the new school.
4. Meet with an ISSS advisor. Bring your completed Transfer-out Form with you.
5. You will receive your new I-20 or DS-2019 Form from the new institution after the release date.
6. Contact your new foreign student advisor at the new institution to complete the visa transfer of school process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible to transfer my F-1 or J-1 student visa to a new school?

Yes, if you are:

• maintaining student status in the most recent semester
  or
• within an authorized Practical Training period (Optional Practical Training for F-1 students and Academic Training for J-1 students).

When must I apply for a visa transfer?

It is your responsibility to notify the current institution of your intention to attend a different school, since the transfer procedure is initiated by the school you are currently attending. If you are considering dropping from your program, please consult with your current school's foreign student advisor.

You should contact your current foreign student advisor prior to the end of the last semester of attendance and no later than your grace period: 30 days for J-1 and 60 days for F-1 students. After the end of your grace period, you are out of status and not eligible for transfer.

What if I am not eligible for a visa transfer?

You must apply for reinstatement to F-1 or J-1 student status with the assistance of the foreign student advisor at the new school. Please contact the foreign student advisor at the new school for more information.

Do I need to follow the transfer procedure if I plan to travel outside the US before attending the new program?

Yes. This will allow you to maintain your current SEVIS identification number. You will need an I-20 (for F-1) or DS-2019 (for J-1) from your new school to reenter the US, as well as a valid visa. However, if your original F-1 or J-1 entry visa stamp is still valid, you can use it to reenter the US as long as you use the I-20 or DS-2019 of the new school you plan to attend.

What is the release date?

This is the day your current school releases its sponsorship to the new institution. Your current school must access SEVIS and transfer out your record to the new school with a specific date. This release date will allow the new school to access your record in SEVIS and issue a new I-20 or DS-2019 Form.

How is the date of release determined?

The transfer of the record must occur before the grace period ends. Typically, the release date is the last day of the most recently attended semester. You may want to discuss the release date with your foreign student advisor, as travel or employment plans will effect the release date you request.

Can I work on campus in the summer between two programs?

You can work on the campus that has jurisdiction over your SEVIS record. Please consult with your foreign student advisor (at the current and new schools) for further information.