International Student and Scholar Services

School Transfer

An international student’s SEVIS record can be transferred from one SEVP-certified school to another SEVP-certified school. Please read through the information below to learn more about transferring your SEVIS record out of St. Cloud State University. If you are transferring your SEVIS record to St. Cloud State University, our International Admissions office will be able to assist.

Types

  • Active (in-status) SEVIS record
    • The student applies for a transfer
  • Terminated (out-of-status) SEVIS record
    • Transfer then reinstate
      • The student intends to pursue a full course of study at the next available term or within five months, whichever is earlier, at the transfer-in school.
    • Transfer and re-enter. The student must:
      • Obtain an Initial I-20 from the new school.
      • Exit the United States and return as an initial entry in a new F-1 nonimmigrant status (initial admission).
      • Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and apply for a new visa.

Eligibility

The student:

  • Has an active (in-status) SEVIS record.
  • Has a terminated (out-of-status) SEVIS record.
  • Is pursuing a full course of study or is engaged in post-completion optional practical training or a STEM extension.
  • Is within their 60-day grace period of the program end date or Optional Practical Training or STEM OPT extension authorization.

Application

  • Complete all sections including:
    • School transfer request
    • Proof of acceptance
      • The student must provide proof of acceptance into the new institution in the form of a letter/email/fax that includes details of the student’s upcoming acceptance (i.e. starting date, name of institution, program). Upload this documentation to the form linked above. 
    • Transfer survey 
    • Health insurance refund petition, if applicable
  • Please allow a minimum of 5-7 full business days for ISSS to process your complete request.

Key points

  • The SEVIS transfer-out process only addresses transferring your SEVIS record from St. Cloud State University to your new school. It does not affect your academic program information or course registration. If you have not completed your academic program, discuss your decision with your academic advisor for any other steps to take before leaving your program at St. Cloud State University. This may include dropping courses for future terms at St. Cloud State University. Please see: Drop/Add, Withdrawals, and Refunds.
  • Students must allow the Center for International Studies 7 full business days after submitting a complete application to process the request.
  • Students must check-in with their new institution and register for classes within 15 days of their new program start date.
  • Students must obtain a new visa issued for the new SEVP-certified school if the student will travel before re-entering the U.S.
  • Students must start attending classes within five months of the last day he or she attended classes or the next available session, whichever comes sooner.
  • Students must start attending classes within five months of the student’s program end date of their optional practical training or STEM extension authorization.
  • A student's SEVIS record will be terminated if they do not report to the new school and enroll full-time within 30 days of the program start date.
  • The student’s employment ends on the transfer release date (this includes optional practical training, curricular practical training and on-campus employment).
  • St. Cloud State University cannot access the student's SEVIS record once it has been transferred.
  • If the international student decides not to transfer their SEVIS record, they must notify the Center for International Studies immediately.