Transfer Information

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 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (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 transfer process in a timely manner is a violation of F-1 student status. Instructions for J-1 transfers is available on request. Contact International Admissions at 301.314.1469 for more information about J-1 transfers.

International students may complete the transfer process by one of two methods:

Option 1- If you plan to remain in the U.S. during the transition period between your old institution and the University of Maryland College Park;

1. 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 the advisor for a copy of your records at that school for your files.
2. You should also verify your information in the New Student Verification Page. If you did not receive an email concerning this, please contact us immediately at 301-314-1469.
   Once you have returned this form and verified your information, you should receive your I-20 within one week.
3. Sign page one of the I-20 when you receive it.
4. Attend the "University Student Orientation." Bring your all your I-20's, including the UMCP I-20, passport, I-94 card and proof of health insurance to the session called "Documents Check."
5. The International Education Services Office (IES) will officially complete the transfer process once you have attended Orientation and registered for the required number of courses.

Option 2- If you plan to travel outside of the U.S. during the transition period between your old institution and the University of Maryland;

1. Take your new 3-page University of Maryland I-20 with you when you leave the country.
2. Upon your re-entry, the USCIS officer will stamp page one of your I-20. Then s/he will return it to you. Verify that there is a USCIS stamp in the upper right hand corner of your I-20 before leaving the immigration area. Also make sure that your I-94 has "F-1 D/S" written on it.
3. Attend the "International Student Orientation." Bring your I-20, passport, I-94 card, and proof of health insurance to the session called "Documents Check."
4. 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 completed the transfer process.
   

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