Transferring
- Transferring to Stony Brook
Transfer-In Students
Students who are admitted to Stony Brook University from another U.S. college, university, high school or language program in J-1 status are considered “transfers." This refers to the transfer of the student’s SEVIS record from one institution to another.
EligibilityYou are eligible to transfer your SEVIS record to Stony Brook University if you:
- Are maintaining lawful J-1 status,.
- Are academically admitted to Stony Brook.
- Submit documentation necessary for the issuance of a DS-2019.
Please Note: Your course of study at Stony Brook must begin during the next available term. Since each student's case may differ, contact Visa and Immigration Services for additional guidance.
Transfer-In ProcessImportant Note: Students who leave the United States between transfers must use Stony Brook University’s DS-2019 when arriving for inspection at the port of entry. Please keep all previous DS-2019s for Intake procedures.Step 1: Inform your current school that you plan to transferUpon admission to SBU, inform your current/previous International Student Advisor you plan to transfer. We will contact them to release your SEVIS record to Stony Brook University.
Stony Brook cannot issue you a DS-2019 until your SEVIS record is released.
Step 2: Request a DS-2019 from SBULogin to accessVIS and submit all required forms in the "Request a Form I-20/DS-2019" tab. You also must submit the International Student Transfer Report on the SEVIS Transfer tab.
Step 3: Receive your new DS-2019Once your SEVIS record is released to us, we will issue you a Transfer Pending DS-2019
Step 4: Complete the intake procedures in accessVISComplete the mandatory J-1 Student Orientation and Immigration Intake process.
- Transferring from Stony Brook
Transfer-Out Students
Admission to a new school does not by itself authorize an international student in J-1 status to begin studying full-time at the new school.
You must request that Visa and Immigration Services transfers your J-1 SEVIS DS-2019 record to your new school before you can begin full-time studies there.
Eligibility- You must currently be maintaining J-1 status.
- You must have an offer of admission from a new school.
- You must apply to transfer to the new institution before the last day attended at Stony Brook, or before the last day of your post-completion AT.
- If you will be changing your type of degree or major field of study, you must discuss your transfer eligibility with VIS.
- You must begin classes at your new school during the next available term.
NOTE: If you are not eligible to transfer your SEVIS record from SBU to your new institution, you must request that a new SEVIS record be created by the new institution. You must leave and reenter the United States using the new DS-2019 and consult an advisor at the new institution for further instruction on travel and reentry.
Important Considerations- You do not have to pay the SEVIS fee again.
- You can remain in the U.S. in between programs.
- You maintain the same current SEVIS ID number (which may make you eligible for certain benefits at your new school earlier, such as CPT eligibility).
The U.S. government considers all the following examples to be possible “SEVIS transfer” situations:
- Completing a program at one school and starting a new program at a different school
- Currently studying at one school and deciding (before completing program) to change to a new school.
- Currently on OPT and starting a new program of study at a different school
How to Transfer OutIf you've been admitted to another U.S. institution and wish to have your SEVIS record transferred, you must complete the "Transfer Out Request" in accessVIS.
Upload the following items and indicate your preferred SEVIS Transfer Release Date:
- Acceptance letter issued by the U.S. school or institution you wish to transfer to.
- A receipt from Student Accounts showing all outstanding balances have been paid. If you need help finding your Paperless Billing Statement, click here.
- ‘Transfer In’ form from new school/program (if applicable).
- Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SEVIS transfer release date?Only one school at a time can access your J-1 SEVIS record. On the SEVIS DS-2019 transfer release date, SEVIS access “transfers” from your previous to your new school. The SEVIS transfer affects your J-1 benefits, including employment, travel, and DS-2019 validity.
Although the transfer release date is often at the end of the academic semester, your SEVIS record can be released at any point when the above criteria are satisfied and an earlier release date is determined based on your new institution’s academic calendar.
What happens on the SEVIS transfer release date?- Your previous school loses access to your electronic SEVIS record.
- Your new school gains access to your electronic SEVIS record, and can now create your new DS-2019.
- On-campus work authorization at your previous school is canceled.
- Your previous school's DS-2019 is no longer valid.
How does my SEVIS transfer affect my travel plans?If you are traveling after your SEVIS transfer release date, you must enter the U.S. using the DS-2019 from your new school. It is important to discuss your travel plans with your International Student Advisor so that an appropriate “transfer out” date can be coordinated to facilitate your travel.
Can I use my current visa even though I am changing schools?As long as you have followed the proper transfer procedures, you will be able to use your current, unexpired J-1 visa to reenter the U.S. even though it has your previous school name printed on it.
How does my SEVIS transfer affect my on-campus employment eligibility?You may only work on campus at the school that has access to your SEVIS record. Check with the International Student Advisor at your new school to verify employment eligibility. Your on-campus work authorization ends on the last day of your last enrolled semester or the transfer release date (if that is later).
Do I need to report to my new school’s international office?Yes. You must report to your new school’s International Office within 15 days of the program start date listed on your DS-2019.