Questions from Designated School Officials: F and M Student Transfer Eligibility
January 28, 2013
Questions from Designated School Officials is a blog series on Study in the States for designated school officials (DSOs). Each Monday, we will answer a question that will help you help your F and/or M students. If you are a DSO and would like to submit a question, email SEVPCommunications@ice.dhs.gov with the subject line “Questions from DSOs.” The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) may edit questions for clarity and consistency. We may not feature all submissions on Study in the States.
Question: When is an F or M student eligible to transfer?
Answer: An F student who is maintaining status may transfer to another SEVP-certified school by following the notification procedure prescribed in 8 CFR 214.2(f)(8)(ii). To remain in the United States when transferring between schools, the F student must begin classes by one of the following times (whichever is earlier):
- No more than five months after transferring out of the current school
- No more than five months before the program completion date on the student’s current Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status”
For an F student engaged in post-completion optional practical training (OPT) , the student must be able resume classes by one of the following times (whichever is earlier):
- Within five months of transferring out of the school that recommended the OPT
- The date the OPT authorization ends
A student who is out of status may be eligible to transfer by giving the DSO at the transfer-in school evidence verifying eligibility for reinstatement. With a Form I-20 giving the DSO recommendation for reinstatement, the student must apply for reinstatement when the student’s Student and Exchange Visitor Information System record is transferred to the transfer-in school. See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(16).
An M student who is maintaining status is eligible to transfer if meeting either of the first three conditions and both of the final two conditions:
- Within six months of admission to the United States as a bona fide M student, or
- Within six months of change of status to M student, or
- Unable to remain at the school to which the student was initially admitted due to circumstances beyond the student’s control, and both of the following.
- Pursuing a full course of study at the transfer-out school and
- Financially able to attend the transfer-in school.
