Transferring F-1 SEVIS Record to BU

If you’re an F-1 student in the U.S., you may transfer your SEVIS record to BU, keeping the same SEVIS number and receiving a new BU I-20.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Admitted to a full-time BU program
  • Maintained valid F-1 status at previous school
  • SEVIS transfer completed before your 60-day grace period ends
  • New BU program starts within 5 months after last enrollment or OPT ends

If you don’t meet eligibility requirements, notify the ISSO Admissions team by replying to the transfer instructions email. ISSO will issue an Initial Attendance I-20 with a new SEVIS record, and you must leave and re-enter the U.S. to restart your F-1 status before your program begins.

Transfer Process

Graduate and Non-Degree Students

  1. Download and complete the Eligibility Confirmation for F-1 SEVIS Transfer form.
  2. Have your current school’s DSO complete their section. If they do not complete the form, submit alternative documentation of your enrollment. This includes an official or unofficial transcript, verification of enrollment from the registrar, or signed letter from your academic department.
  3. Submit a Transfer-In request via ISSOPortal.
  4. ISSO issues a “Transfer Pending” I-20 within 10 days of your transfer release date.
  5. Complete ISSO Initial Check-in via ISSOPortal within 15 days of your BU program start date.

Undergraduate Students

Complete the transfer form sent by BU’s Undergraduate Admission office and follow their instructions.

Important Details

  • Consult your current DSO to confirm you meet transfer eligibility and to set an appropriate SEVIS Release Date:
    • For enrolled students: release date on or after last class day
    • For completed programs: before grace period end
    • For OPT/STEM OPT: during authorized OPT, or no later than the end of the grace period, OPT will be invalidated as soon as SEVIS record is released
  • I-20 issuance: The I-20 will be issued within 10 business days of the SEVIS Transfer Release date on the ISSOPortal, provided all required documents are complete. You will receive an email at your BU address once it is issued.
  • SEVIS Number: Remains the same after transfer.
  • F-1 Visa: Your F-1 visa issued for study at a previous institution remails valid for travel during your program at BU, as long as you return before the visa expiration date.
  • SEVIS Fee: Students only need to pay the SEVIS fee once per record. Students do not need to pay the fee when transferring a SEVIS record.
  • Status Between Programs: You can remain in the U.S. during the transfer process.
  • Travel Between Programs: If traveling internationally , bring your new BU I-20, valid F-1 visa, passport valid 6+ months, admission letter, financial documentation, and SEVIS fee payment receipt.
  • Employment: Previous school’s employment authorization ends when your SEVIS record is released to BU. You and your previous institution DSO should pick a “SEVIS Transfer Release date” that will enable you to complete employment before your SEVIS record is released to BU. You may begin on-campus work once you have completed check-in at BU and  registered full-time.