Overview
A student is considered to be a transfer student when they leave one U.S. institution (before or after earning a degree) to be in attendance at another U.S. institution. Please note that this does not refer to the transfer of academic credits.
Transfer eligibility
- Student is admitted and has submitted all necessary documents to Ohio State
- Student is currently maintaining their F-1/ J-1 status (if your current SEVIS record is not active, please contact the Office of International Affairs before requesting the transfer of your nonimmigrant status)
- The new program begins within five months of the end of the course of study at the current school or the end of the authorized Optional Practical Training period
- Transfer must be requested no later than the end of the student's grace period, otherwise the student is considered to be “out of status” and may have to apply for reinstatement
- F-1 students: The SEVIS record has to be transferred within the 60-day grace period following the student's completion of study or practical training
- J-1 students: The SEVIS record has to be transferred within the 30-day grace period following the student's completion of study or academic training
Transfer procedures
- Student applies through the appropriate Admissions Office, is admitted to Ohio State, and receives an email from the Office of International Affairs with the International Student Transfer form once the financial review is complete.
- Student submits the International Student Transfer form to an Immigration Coordinator at their current school
- The Designated School Official at the student's current school enters the transfer request in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and sets the SEVIS release date.
- SEVIS release date is the date on which the student's nonimmigrant record will be electronically transferred to Ohio State
- The SEVIS release date should be determined by the current school according to the student's circumstances and needs
- Ohio State cannot issue the transfer I-20/DS-2019 until the SEVIS record is released
- An I-20/DS-2019 will be issued on or after the release date indicated on the international student transfer form. The student will receive an email once the transfer has been processed and the I-20 will be made available electronically to download and print. (Hand-signed DS-2019s will be issued to J-1 transfer-in students.)
Traveling outside the United States
- Students who plan to travel outside the United States before starting their new program at Ohio State will be notified via email after the I-20 has been processed with instructions for downloading and printing their I-20. Once the SEVIS record has been released to Ohio State, it is important that the Ohio State I-20 is used for entry into the United States.
- Students do not need to apply for a new visa if the current visa is unexpired, even if the name of the previous university is on the visa
Contact information
International students admissions
Undergraduate Admissions
+1 614-292-3980
int.undergrad@osu.edu
Graduate and Professional Admissions
+1 614-292-9444
gradadmissions@osu.edu
Office of International Affairs
Kimberly Anthony
Senior Immigration Coordinator
Office of International Affairs
The Ohio State University
+1 614-292-6101
anthony.118@osu.edu