Transferring Your F-1 Visa to a New U.S. School

For international students currently studying in the United States on an F-1 visa, transferring to a new school requires a specific process to maintain legal status. This guide outlines the steps involved in transferring your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record to a new institution, specifically Baltimore City Community College (BCCC), and provides a broader overview of the F-1 transfer process.

Understanding the F-1 Transfer Process

The F-1 visa allows foreign nationals to pursue academic studies in the U.S. When transferring schools, it’s crucial to follow regulations set by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to avoid any lapse in status. A key component of this process is the transfer of your SEVIS record.

Steps to Transfer to BCCC

If you are planning to transfer your SEVIS record to Baltimore City Community College (BCCC), the following steps apply:

1. Complete the International Student Application Packet: This includes submitting the general BCCC Admissions Application and all required supplemental documents through the application portal.
2. Required Supplemental Documents: You will demand to provide:
   • Address Verification Form – signed by you and your host in the U.S.A.
   • Dependent (F-2) Request Form – signed by you. Indicate “no dependents” if applicable.
   • Financial Support Statement – signed by you and your sponsor.
   • Financial Documentation – review the BCCC Twelve Month Budget for details.
   • Copy of your passport – biographical page only.
   • Proof of English Proficiency – if English is not your first language, review the International Students / ESL Pathways Program page.
   • Copies of all previous Forms I-20.
   • Most recent Form I-94 (Get it here).
   • Copy of your U.S. Visa page from your passport.
3. Optional Documents: You may likewise submit:
   • BCCC Transfer Eligibility Form (email BCCC if your current school won’t complete it).
   • Secondary high school completion certificate.
   • Official translated transcripts and supporting documents from all secondary schools and universities.
   • Post-secondary credits earned outside the USA must be evaluated by an accredited evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

After Acceptance

Once accepted to BCCC:

• You will receive an Acceptance Letter.
• Provide the BCCC Acceptance Letter to your current school’s Designated School Official (DSO) to release your SEVIS record to BCCC.
• Your SEVIS record must be released at least 15 days before the semester starts.

Maintaining Your F-1 Status During Transfer

According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), maintaining F-1 status requires demonstrating a bona fide intent to pursue a full course of study and a foreign residence you have no intention of abandoning. USCIS policy emphasizes that students are generally presumed to maintain this intent. It is also essential to pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee, using Form I-901, if applicable.

Resources

• BCCC International Student Transfer Information
• Study in the States
• Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)