Transfer Process
SEVIS Transfer to PSU
For your SEVIS record to be transferred to PSU from another school you must meet the following requirements:
- Admission to either PSU or PSU’s Intensive English Language Program
- Valid F-1 Status (demonstrated on the Transfer Information/ Clearance Form)
- Full-time course load maintained at your previous school
Contact an International Student Advisor at your previous school to complete the procedures for transferring your SEVIS record to PSU. As soon as you have received confirmation of your admission to Portland State, contact Joshua Davis in International Student and Scholar Services for information about obtaining your new I-20.
Orientation and Immigration Check-in
A mandatory orientation session is required for all new PSU students. This includes transfer students. You will receive email information about registration for the orientation or you may visit the orientation website to register online.
You are also required to check-in within 15 days of the start of the term with ISSS. Failure to complete your immigration check-in will place you in violation of your student status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My new I-20 from PSU doesn’t have an immigration stamp. Is that okay?
A: Yes. New I-20s are issued for a variety of reasons and are only stamped upon entry or re-entry into the US.
Q: I am transferring to PSU from another school. When can I start working?
A: After your SEVIS record has been transferred to PSU, as long as you have completed at least one academic term at your previous school. You may only work on the campus which currently maintains your I-20. You are eligible for off-campus employment after one full academic year in the US, including all schools you’ve attended. See Employment for more information.
Q: Do I need to keep my old I-20(s) or can I just throw them away?
A: Never throw away your old I-20s. They provide a record of your immigration history.
Q: I recently transferred to PSU and received a new I-20. Now I’m getting email from ISSS saying that I need to pick up another I-20. Why do I need another one?
A: During the transfer process two I-20s are issued – one shows your intent to transfer and one shows that you have, in fact, transferred.
SEVIS Transfer from PSU
To transfer your SEVIS record from PSU to your new school, you must follow these steps:
- Submit the PSU Transfer Request Form
- Supply a copy of your admission letter to your new school
- Supply proof that your government or embassy approves your transfer, if you receive support from them.
In your new school’s admission documents there may be a Transfer Clearance Form that verifies your F-1 status. PSU will complete this form for you, but will not transfer your SEVIS record until all of the above steps have been completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When can my SEVIS record be transferred to a new school?
A: Your record can be transferred at any time, but you must maintain full time enrollment at PSU until your SEVIS record has been transferred.
Q: I have turned in all of the required documents for transfer. When will my record be transferred?
A: Normally, transfers take place on the Friday after grades are posted. Documents submitted after this day take 3-5 business days. We will consider other dates if you have travel plans taking you outside the US before your next school starts.
Q: I plan to travel outside the US before classes start at my new school. Which I-20 do I need to come back into the US?
A: You will need the I-20 from your new school. Once your SEVIS record is transferred your I-20 from PSU is no longer valid.
Q: I have a job on campus. Can I work after my SEVIS record has been transferred? What about OPT or CPT?
A: No. All work authorization at PSU ends when your SEVIS record is transferred, including on-campus, OPT, CPT, and Economic Hardship.
Q: I finished my program at PSU and I’m in my 60-day grace period. I want to transfer to another school but their classes start after my grace period ends. Can I still transfer?
A: Usually, yes. However, it is important for you to contact an ISSS advisor for more information related to your situation.
Q: I’ve completed my transfer to my new school. Can I throw away my old I-20 from PSU?
A: No. Never throw away your old I-20s. They provide a record of your immigration history, which you may need for filing for new immigration statuses in the future.