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F1 Students - Transfer Process

SEVIS Transfer In Information

For your SEVIS record to be transferred to Portland State University from another college or university in the United States, you must be admitted to either Portland State University or PSU's Intensive English Language Program (IELP). You must also meet the following requirements:

1. You are in valid F-1 status (demonstrated on the Transfer Information/Clearance Form)
2. You have maintained a full-time academic course-load at your previous school.

You should contact an International Student Advisor at your previous school to complete the procedures for transferring your SEVIS record to Portland State University. Those procedures may include filling out a form to give that school permission to transfer your record, and providing proof that you have been admitted to Portland State University. Once your SEVIS record has been transferred to Portland State University, you should contact the International Admissions office for information about when and how you can obtain your new I-20.

Orientation and Immigration Check-in

You will also need to make arrangements to attend the mandatory Orientation session at Portland State University. This session is required for all new students at Portland State University. You will receive e-mails with information about how to register for the Orientation as the term approaches, or you may visit the Orientation website to register online.

Upon arrival at Portland State University, you will need to attend the orientation, including our immigration check-in procedure. This check-in procedure is required for all new students, including transfer students, and must be completed within fifteen (15) days of the start of the term. If you do not complete the immigration check-in, you will be in violation of your student status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: My new I-20 from Portland State University does not have an immigration stamp on it. Is this a problem?
A: No. Sometimes during your studies, you will receive a new I-20. This will happen if you transfer schools, if you change your major, or if you move on to get a higher degree (even at the same school). The new I-20 issued to you will not come with a stamp, because those are only given when you enter the United States. However, you will receive a stamp the next time you travel outside the United States and re-enter in your student status.

Q: I am a transfer student coming to Portland State University from another school. When can I start working?
A: You may start working on-campus at Portland State University after your SEVIS record has been transferred here, as long as you have completed at least one academic term at your previous school. Remember that you may only work on the campus of the school which currently maintains your I-20 and SEVIS record. You are eligible for off-campus employment after completing one full academic year in the United States; time spent studying at a previous school will count towards that requirement. For more detailed information on working in the United States, please visit the Employment section of our website.

Q: Now that I have my I-20 from Portland State University, do I still need to keep my I-20(s) from my previous school(s)? I can just throw them away, right?
A: Never throw away your old I-20s. There are some situations in which you will need to provide copies of your previous I-20s as documentation of your immigration history here in the United States. It may be difficult to get copies of your I-20s from previous schools after you have left, so you should always keep your own copies in a safe place.

Q: I just transferred to Portland State University, and classes have started. Now I'm getting an e-mail from the International Student and Scholar Services telling me that I have to come pick up another I-20! But I already received my PSU I-20. Why do I need another one?
A: The transfer process in SEVIS takes three steps: 1) your record is transferred from your previous school to Portland State University, 2) you attend Orientation and complete the immigration check-in, 3) you register for classes here at Portland State, and your SEVIS record is registered. Steps 1) and 3) of the transfer process create an I-20 in SEVIS, one before the term starts, and one after.

SEVIS Transfer Out Information

For your SEVIS record to be transferred from Portland State University to your new college or university, there are several steps that need to be followed:

1. You must submit the PSU Transfer Release Form
2. You must turn in a copy of the admission letter from your new school.
3. If you receive support from your government or embassy, you must turn in proof that your government or embassy has approved the transfer (either a letter from your embassy advisor or a current copy of your financial guarantee letter listing the new school).

Sometimes your new school will ask you to have us complete a Transfer Clearance Form, probably included in your admissions documents. This form is used by the new school to verify that you are still in valid F-1 status. We will complete this form, but we will not transfer your SEVIS record until we have a copy of your admission letter and the Transfer Release Form..

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When can my SEVIS record be transferred to a new school? Is there a deadline?
A: We can only transfer your record between terms (during vacation times). Your SEVIS record must be transferred before the first day of the next term at Portland State University. After the next term has started, we must wait until that term is over and transfer your record during the next break.

Q: I turned in all of the documents for my transfer, including the Transfer Release Form and a copy of my admission letter. When will my record be transferred?
A: Normally, your record will be transferred on the Friday after grades are posted. However, we will consider other dates if you have travel plans that would take you outside the United States before your next school starts. If you submit all the documents after the Friday following finals week, your transfer will be processed within three to five business days.

Q: I plan to travel outside the United States before classes start at my new school. Which I-20 do I need to come back to the U.S. to start my classes?
A: You will need to have the I-20 from your new school when you return. Once your SEVIS record has been transferred, your I-20 from PSU is no longer valid for travel.

Q: I have a job on campus. Am I allowed to work after my SEVIS record has been transferred? What about off-campus work like OPT or CPT?
A: All work authorization associated with your SEVIS record at Portland State University ends when it is transferred to another school. This includes your eligibility to work on campus, as well as any off-campus work authorization like OPT, CPT or Economic Hardship.

Q: I finished my program here at PSU, and now I'm in my 60-day grace period. I want to transfer to another school, but their classes start after my grace period ends. Can I still transfer?
A: In general, yes. However, although this is a common question, there are some timing issues which can be confusing or cause some problems. Please contact an International Student Advisor at ISSS for more information.

Q: My transfer is complete, and I have a new I-20 from my new school. What do I do with my old I-20(s) from PSU?
A: You should keep all of your old I-20s, even from previous schools. You may be required to submit copies of previous I-20s if you file for Reinstatement, OPT, or a work visa or permanent residency (H-1B or Green Card). Your records at a previous school may not be readily available if you are asked for copies of your previous I-20s, so it is always best to keep them in a safe place at home.

If you have other questions or concerns about the transfer process, please contact either the International Admissions office (for transferring to PSU) or ISSS (for transferring from PSU) for more information.