Processing F-1 Transfer by Reentering the U.S.

There are different procedures to be aware of, depending on whether you will enter from a "contiguous territory" or from other countries.  Please refer to the appropriate section below.

To accomplish this type of school transfer, you must be in lawful F-1 student status.  If you suspect or believe that you are not in lawful F-1 status, please see the section below entitled "Special Information for Students Who Are Not in Lawful F-1 Status."

If you have a valid F-1 visa in your passport
You may reenter the U.S. and have your transfer processed by the U.S. Immigration Inspector who examines your documents.  You must make certain that the Inspector stamps your Boston University I-20 form.

If you do not have a valid F-1 student visa in your passport
(Not available to nationals of Iraq, Iran, Syria, Libya, Sudan, North Korea and Cuba.)

You may travel with an expired visa and have your transfer processed when you reenter the U.S. only if:

1. You are in lawful F-1 student status;
2. You do not visit any countries other than contiguous countries during your trip outside the U.S.;
3. You visit contiguous countries for no more than 30 days;
4. You keep your USCIS Form I-94 when you leave the U.S. and present it to the Immigration Inspector who will examine your documents when you reenter the country; and
5. You make certain that the Inspector stamps your Boston University I-20 form to validate it.

If you are not able to meet all these requirements, you must have a valid F-1 visa in your passport in order to reenter the U.S.  When you reenter, give the Immigration Inspector your Boston University I-20 form and make certain that the Inspector stamps this form to validate it.

For more detailed information on how to properly reenter the U.S., including special information on reentry from a contiguous country, please see our section entitled "Immigration Requirements for Entry to the US (F-1 Students)"

Reentry from Other Countries
You must have a valid F-1 student visa in your passport in order to reenter the U.S. and process your transfer.  When you reenter the U.S., give the Immigration Inspector your Boston University I-20 form and make certain that the Inspector stamps both pages 1 and 3 of this form to validate it. 

For detailed information on how to apply for or renew an F-1 visa and how to properly enter the U.S., please refer the section entitled "Immigration Requirements for Entry to the US (F-1 Students)"

If you are not in lawful F-1 status, you must address this situation either by

• Applying to the USCIS for "reinstatement" to lawful F-1 status OR
• Leaving the U.S. and reentering using the Boston University I-20 form.

You should discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each option with an ISSO advisor before choosing a course of action.

ISSO
Boston University
February 28, 2005