Students who are currently attending another SEVP-certified school in the United States in valid F-1 status may transfer their SEVIS record to American Language Center.

A transfer allows an F-1 student to continue studying in the United States without leaving the country or obtaining a new SEVIS ID number.

Required Documents

In addition to the International Student Checklist on the F-1 Students page, please provide the following:

Submit a Transfer Authorization Form found in the forms section

Who Should Use This Page

This page applies to students who:

are currently in valid F-1 status
are attending another SEVP-certified school in the United States
wish to continue their studies at American Language Center

If you are outside the United States, please apply using the F-1 Students admissions page instead.

If you are already in the United States but not currently in F-1 status, please refer to the F-1 Students page for information about applying for change of status.

Transfer Requirements

Students wishing to transfer must:

Maintain valid F-1 status at their current school
Be accepted by American Language Center
Request that their current school transfer their SEVIS record
Submit the required admissions documents

Transfer Process

Step 1: Apply to American Language Center

Step 2: Coordinate With Your Current School

After acceptance, request that your current school transfer your SEVIS record to American Language Center.
You and your current school will determine a SEVIS transfer release date.
Until the transfer release date, your current school remains responsible for your SEVIS record.

Step 3: SEVIS Record Transfer

On the transfer release date, your SEVIS record will be transferred from your current school to American Language Center.

After this date, American Language Center will have access to your SEVIS record and can issue your transfer-pending Form I-20.

Step 4: Sign an Enrollment Agreement

Step 5: Take the Placement Test

Step 6: Attend orientation and begin classes

Transfer students must begin classes at the next available session and within the required SEVIS transfer timeline.

Important Timing Rule

F-1 transfer students must begin their program at the new school within five months of one of the following:

the last day of enrollment at the previous school
the end date of authorized Optional Practical Training (OPT)
the SEVIS transfer release date

Failure to meet this timeline may affect F-1 status.

Travel and Employment During Transfer

Students should be cautious about international travel or employment during the transfer process.
After the SEVIS record is transferred, employment authorization connected to the previous school may no longer be valid.
Students should contact the admissions office before making travel or employment plans during the transfer period.