Transfer I-20

Applying for Your Transfer I-20

 

WHAT IS A TRANSFER I-20

If you are eligible for a transfer I-20 (as described below) and are admitted to a full-time program at Sarah Lawrence College, you must request that your school transfer your electronic F-1 SEVIS record to us so that we can issue a transfer I-20 for you.

A “SEVIS transfer” is different from an “academic transfer.” The transfer of your SEVIS record can take place at the same degree level or when you are changing academic levels (e.g. BA to MS).

There are several benefits to a SEVIS transfer vs a new initial I-20:

  • You maintain the same SEVIS ID number
  • You do not pay another SEVIS fee for a new SEVIS record 
  • You may remain in the U.S. in between programs

 

How Do I Qualify?{expander}

ELIGIBILITY

 

Enrolled at Another School

  • You are currently in valid F-1 student status as an enrolled student at another school or are within your 60-day grace period following the completion of your program. 
  • You have been admitted to a full-time program at Sarah Lawrence College.
  • Your program at Sarah Lawrence College will begin no more than five months after your current completion date.

 

On OPT

  • You are currently in valid F-1 status on OPT, or within your 60-day grace period following the completion of your OPT.
  • You have been admitted to a full-time program at Sarah Lawrence College.
  • Your program at Sarah Lawrence College will begin no more than five months after your employment end date.

 

Other Situations

  • Summer Session only: you do not need to transfer your SEVIS record to study at Sarah Lawrence College during your summer vacation if you will return to your current school in the fall.
  • Students Admitted for the Spring: The application deadline is November 1. Applications received after November 1 will be considered on a space-available basis. 

 

 

Applying for my Transfer I-20{expander}

APPLICATION PROCESS

 

1. Prepare your documents

Supporting Documents Checklist

     

1.

The identification page of your passport

  

2.

Funding Documents (Refer to Tuition and Financial Aid for your program)

  

3.

If you are receiving funds from an individual sponsor (Example: Parent, Sibling, Friend, etc.), an Affidavit of Support form must be completed.

  

4.

Passport identification page of each dependent, if applicable

  

5

A copy of all previous I-20's

  

6.

If you're currently in the U.S., a copy of your I-94 arrival record

  

 

2. Log in to Terra Dotta to Apply for your I-20

There are two ways to log in to the ISS Portal: 

  • Pay your Sarah Lawrence Enrollment Deposit 
  • Apply with an Invitation by the Office of International Student Services once your enrollment deposit is paid  
    • An Email will be sent to your Sarah Lawrence email address.
  • Once you are in your ISS Student Portal you will see 5 section tabs to review
    • #1 tab: Welcome - In this section you will find helpful links and what to do next. 
    • #2 tab: Location Information - This will ask you if you are transferring your SEVIS record. At the bottom of the section you can click Yes. 
      • You will then be asked to fill out a form in order to confirm your SEVIS information is sent to Sarah Lawrence College.
      • And submit all the required documents.
    • #3 tab: Personal & Program - Here you will begin your I-20 Application. Submit the required documents and fill out the appropriate information requested.
    • #4 tab: Financial Details - This section is where you will submit your financial documents. The costs will be shown on what Sarah Lawrence requires for the Form I-20. 
    • #5 tab: Submit - Once you have submitted all the required documents and filled out the appropriate information then click the "Complete" button and a Designated school Official will review your application. 
  • After your SEVIS record is transferred and your I-20 application is complete then 
    • Processing time for can be 1-3 weeks.

 

3. Establish Your Transfer Date with Your Current School

  • Contact your international student advisor/Designated school official at your current school to establish the date on which you want them to transfer your electronic SEVIS record to Sarah Lawrence College
  • We do not require a Transfer form. Our SEVIS Code will be provided in the invitation email. 
  • If your institution requires contact information for a transfer out form then please use the email: internationalstudentservices@sarahlawrence.edu

 

4. Receive your Transfer I-20

  • Once your I-20 has been processed then you will receive an email to Log into Terra Dotta. 
  • Your Transfer I-20 will be located in your ISS Portal - Control Center tab in the "Documents" section. 
  • You will need to print and sign your I-20, which you will use for traveling to the U.S.

 

Frequently Asked Questions{expander}

VISA AND TRAVEL INFORMATION

 

  • Do I need a new F-1 visa?
    • If you have an unexpired visa in your passport, you do not need to apply for a new visa. You may continue to use the visa you have even though the previous school's name is on it.  

 

  • Follow our Travel and Your Status website for information on documents required for traveling.
    • Since you have transferred your SEVIS record then your F-1 status and all the benefits earned will continue which means you will be seen as a continuing F-1. You can travel as a current student. 

 

  • Can I remain in the U.S.?
    • Transfer students are not required to depart the U.S. in between programs. You may remain in the U.S. even if your F-1 visa is expired as long as you have applied for your Sarah Lawrence I-20.

 

 

 

 

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