For international students who want to transfer to a US university, this step-by-step guide can provide you with valuable insight into the application process, entry requirements, and other applicable policies.
Are You Allowed to Transfer Universities as an International Student?
Yes! Moving to a new college or university can be an exciting adventure, but it also involves making some important decisions. Do you want to continue your current degree program or start anew? When deciding where and when to transfer, credit eligibility will depend on the requirements of both schools and programs. Additionally, the timing of your move will also have to be taken into consideration. Generally speaking, though, transferring credits should still help you make progress toward completing your degree in a similar timeframe.
What Are Your Available Transfer Options?
International students have three distinct transfer opportunities open to them. From a non-U.S. university, from a two-year community college in the US, or between four-year universities within the US itself. With these options, you can ensure that your education is tailored to meet your needs and goals!
Transferring From a non-US University
Get comfortable with university life before arriving in the US by starting your degree in a familiar setting. This may make it easier for you to acclimate and settle into American universities more quickly.
To transfer to a college or university in the United States, it’s essential to evaluate your courses for credit transferability. The more time you allow for this process, the better prepared you’ll be when admission deadlines draw near. Unfortunately, some credits may not prove eligible and additional classes may have to be taken domestically. Both of these circumstances can affect your expected graduation date. Starting early is therefore advised!
It is crucial that you understand both your current institution’s transfer policies and those at any school you are considering. By familiarizing yourself with these requirements, you can make an informed decision about which option would work best for.
Transferring From a Two-year Community College in The US
If you are unsure of a major, a community college in the US could be an excellent starting point. Here, you can explore various fields of study while still receiving the same general education classes as four-year universities. After discovering what interests you most, apply to transfer elsewhere in the US. This allows you time to save money without compromising on quality education!
If you are attending a community college in the US, many four-year universities forgo the standardized test requirement during applications. This allows you to apply to highly competitive institutions while eliminating yourself from the intense competition of incoming freshmen applicants.
Transferring Between Two Four-year Universities in The US
A four-year university is an educational institution that provides undergraduate studies, generally leading to a Bachelor’s degree and taking approximately four years to attain.
When you’re changing institutions, two processes must occur. First and foremost, your academic credits need to be evaluated in order to see which ones can transfer over. This ensures that when starting a new program or continuing an existing one at the university of transfer, all necessary credit hours have been accounted for without having to start from scratch! Secondly, your SEVIS information as an international student needs updating and transferring so your status is accurately reflected at the new school.
Once you have received admission from a new school, the next step is to acquire a new I-20 form. To get started, you must request that your current school send over the SEVIS record to the university. This will update all relevant details in regards to transferring schools and might even alter certain conditions for student visas depending on when it’s transferred – so make sure you work with an advisor throughout this process!
Get in Touch With Your Academic Advisor
It is essential to work hand-in-hand with a Designated School Official (DSO) or international student advisor in order to successfully navigate the process of university transfer. A DSO can guide you through the requirements, potential expenses, and any amendments needed for your student visa. Having all this information readily available will make transferring universities so much easier and stress-free!
To ensure that the transfer process is as seamless and efficient as possible, make sure to collaborate with your current advisor and the admissions counselor of your future university. As a rule of thumb, it’s always best practice to submit all necessary documents for academic transfer, such as course records, letters of recommendation, and standardized test scores, in one go. Depending on which undergraduate program you are applying for, extra certifications or tests may be required before being officially admitted- so don’t forget to double-check every requirement with an advisor!
Updating Your Visa
When it comes to transferring to universities in the United States, your student visa is of utmost importance. Therefore, you must ensure that whatever programs and schools you are considering still enable you to comply with all applicable regulations so as to sustain your status as an international learner.
As an example, if you have an F-1 student visa but are interested in taking certain university courses, then it is important to note that these programs may only be available for a J-1 or M-1 visa. To bridge this gap, consider discussing the change with your academic advisor and potentially switch your student visa type. Alternatively, seek out other universities where you can access those same educational opportunities without needing to go through additional steps. Additionally, some institutions require special certifications from governing bodies depending on the student’s specific visa status.
To better understand the visa specifications, you need to meet, reach out and speak with an expert on visas.
Changing Universities After Your F1 Has Been Issued?
Are you wondering if it is possible to switch universities after having your F1 Visa stamped? The answer is a resounding YES! After being admitted into the new school, simply inform your original institution that you want to transfer, and they will fill out an I-20 form. Then take this document with you or have them send it directly to the new university, where they’ll issue a brand-new I-20, giving you the opportunity to pursue education at another institution.
