University Transfer Process

Transferring OUT OF the University of Maryland

If you are a current student at the University of Maryland and have decided to transfer to another institution, there are several documents that you must submit to IES before we will be able to transfer your SEVIS record to another school. These documents are:

If you are a student on OPT and are planning on starting a new program of study at a different institution, you will only need to submit the Transfer Out Form and the letter of admission from the new school.

 

Transferring INTO the University of Maryland

The decision to attend the University of Maryland will only be the first step in the process of integrating into our community. Among your many initial responsibilities will be to notify USCIS of your move from your current school to the University of Maryland. The international student transfer process cannot be finalized until this step is taken. In fact, failure to complete the F-1 transfer process in a timely manner is a violation of F-1 student status.
International students may complete the transfer process by one of two methods.

1. If you plan to remain in the U.S. during the transition period between your old institution and the University of Maryland, then you should:
  • Complete Section A of the "International Student Transfer Form" and ask the International Student Advisor at your current ("old") school to complete Section B. The advisor will fax or mail the form to us. You should ask for a copy for your records.
  • This form must be received before your I-20 can be produced.
  • Attend the "International Student Orientation." Bring your I-20, passport, I-94 card and proof of health insurance to the session called "Documents Check."
  • The International Education Services office (IES) will issue an I-20 that shows that you have completed the transfer process.
2. If you plan to travel outside the U.S. during the transition period between your old institution and the University of Maryland, then you should:
  • Complete Section A of the "International Student Transfer Form" and ask the International Student Advisor at your current ("old") school to complete Section B. The advisor will fax or mail the form to us. You should ask for a copy for your records.
  • This form must be received before your I-20 can be produced.
  • Use your new I-20 to enter the country.
  • Upon your re-entry, the USCIS officer will stamp your I-20. Then s/he will stamp page 3 and return it to you. Verify that there is a red USCIS stamp in the upper right-hand corner of your I-20 before leaving the immigration area.
  • Attend the "International Student Orientation." Bring your I-20, passport, I-94 card, and proof of health insurance to the session called "Documents Check."
  • At the "Documents Check" session, the International Education Services office (IES) will inspect and photocopy all your immigration documents and issue a new I-20 to show you have coompleted the transfer process.
  • If it will be impossible for you to attend the "International Student Orientation," you must attend a "makeup" orientation. (Check IES website for dates.)

Remember: Failure to complete the F-1 transfer process in a timely manner is a violation of F-1 student status. Loss of status will exclude students from F-1 benefits such as authorized employment.

Student Transfer Form