Transferring from Boston University
If you’ve completed your studies at Boston University and plan to transfer to another school or program, follow the required transfer procedures before enrolling at the new institution.
SEVIS Record Transfer for F-1 Students
If you have completed a program at BU and plan to start a new program at another school, or if you are transferring from BU to a new school mid-program, you must request that ISSO transfer your SEVIS record before beginning your new program.
- If withdrawing mid-program, schedule the SEVIS transfer after completing your current term but before starting at the new school.
- If you have completed your program, transfer your SEVIS record before the end of your 60-day grace period.
Steps to Transfer Your SEVIS Record:
- Be fully admitted to the new school.
- Log into the ISSOPortal, go to the Request Center, and select “SEVIS Transfer Out.”
- Complete the questionnaire, upload required documents, and confirm your understanding of transfer conditions.
- Monitor your request status in the portal.
- ISSO will review and transfer your SEVIS record within 10 business days and notify you by email.
Important Notes:
- You do not need to pay the SEVIS fee again; your SEVIS ID remains the same.
- Contact the new school to obtain your new I-20 and follow their instructions to complete the transfer.
- Your SEVIS record must be transferred by the end of your 60-day grace period.
- You must begin the new program within 5 months of your last attendance date at BU or OPT end date.
- Enter the new school’s SEVIS code (starting with 214XXX) accurately in your transfer request.
- Upon transfer, all BU-associated employment authorizations end (on-campus work, CPT, OPT).
- After transfer, direct all immigration questions to the new school.
- If traveling internationally after transfer but before starting the new program, obtain a “Transfer Pending” I-20 from the new school; do not use your BU I-20 for re-entry.
- If withdrawing before graduation, contact the University Service Center (undergraduates) or your academic department (graduates) to finalize your withdrawal.
SEVIS Record Transfer for J-1 Students
You may transfer your SEVIS record to a different J-1 Exchange Visitor Program if you are in valid status and remain in the “student” category. Transfers from non-degree to degree status are not allowed. Transfers must be completed by the DS-2019 end date or within the 30-day grace period after program completion.
Steps to Transfer Your SEVIS Record:
- Be fully admitted to the new school.
- Log into the ISSOPortal, go to the Request Center, and select “SEVIS Transfer Out EV.”
- Complete the questionnaire, upload required documents, and confirm your understanding of transfer conditions.
- Monitor your request status in the ISSOPortal.
- ISSO will review and transfer your SEVIS record within 10 business days and notify you by email.
Important Notes:
- You will not need to pay the SEVIS fee again; your SEVIS ID stays the same.
- Contact the new school to obtain your new DS-2019 and follow their instructions to complete the transfer.
- Ensure you receive the new DS-2019 before your BU DS-2019 expires and before your new program starts.
Students on Optional Practical Training (OPT)
If you are currently on OPT, your work permission will become invalid once you transfer to another school’s I-20, and you will lose any unused portion of your work authorization period.
Students on Academic Training (AT)
If you are currently on AT, your authorization will become invalid once you transfer to another J program sponsor’s DS-2019 and you must stop the training activity immediately. You should consult with the Responsible Officer of the new J program about possibilities for any future training or employment.