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Can one change colleges after taking admission in America? Understand the complete process related to transfer here

Summary

College Student (Photo- Pexels) F-1 Visa Transfer Rules: Every year thousands of Indian students go to America to study. Among these, there are some students who first take admission in some college, but do not feel like going there. Some do not like the course taught there, while some do not like the campus. Now,…

Ronit Sharma

By Ronit Sharma
Feb 10, 2026, 11:29 AM IST

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Can one change colleges after taking admission in America? Understand the complete process related to transfer here

College Student (Photo- Pexels)
F-1 Visa Transfer Rules: Every year thousands of Indian students go to America to study. Among these, there are some students who first take admission in some college, but do not feel like going there. Some do not like the course taught there, while some do not like the campus. Now, they are in a dilemma whether they will be allowed to change colleges in the middle of the semester while being on F-1 student visa? Some students feel that college transfer is not possible.

However, it is common to change colleges in the US as a foreign student, as long as you follow the rules. Transferring to an F-1 visa is not the same as applying for a new visa. Actually, college transfer means that you SEVIS records Transferring from your existing college to a new SEVP certified college. As long as the visa remains valid, you neither need to leave the US nor apply for a new visa.

Who can transfer to college?

  • if your F-1 visa Active and valid.
  • If you have got admission in a new college which is certified by SEVP.
  • You are within the grace period of 60 days after completing your studies or OPT.
  • You have not violated the rules of the F-1 visa, such as working without permission.

What is the process of college transfer?

  • Get admission in the new college: Before transfer, you have to get admission in the new college. to college F-1 visa holder Should be allowed to give admission. Once admission is granted, the International Student Office of that college will begin the transfer process. You will not need an I-20, but you will definitely need an admission offer letter.
  • Talk to the current DSO: The ‘Designated School Official’ (DSO) of your current college plays an important role in transfer. You will need to inform the international office of your current college about the transfer. You will also need to provide them with your acceptance letter from the new college, the SEVIS school code of the new college, and the date you want your SEVIS record released.
  • Choose a SEVIS Release Date: Choosing the right SEVIS release date is very important. This date should be such that it is before the end of your studies or the end of the grace period. If this date has passed, your old school cannot change your records.
  • Get a New I-20: After the records are transferred, the new college will issue a new I-20 for you. Check your information and program start date carefully on this. You must sign the I-20 and keep it safe.
  • Go to a New College: To complete a transfer, you will need to start studying at a new college. As soon as you reach the college, inform the International Student Office there. If passport, visa or I-20 is asked for, provide it immediately.

Is a new visa required for transfer?

As long as your F-1 visa is valid and you are in the US, you do not need a visa for transfer. You will need to get a visa only when your existing visa has expired and you are thinking of traveling abroad.