A student in F-1 status is eligible for transfer to another school in the United States if he or she has maintained status. F-1 students planning to transfer should keep the following considerations in mind:

• Transfers can be allowed only if you have pursued a full course of study at the old school and plan to do the same at the new school.
  
• You must provide a Certificate of Funding that shows that you have enough money to cover all costs for one academic year at the new school.
  
• If you have violated your student status, you must apply for reinstatement with the USCIS (see the International Student Advisor for information about applying for reinstatement).
  
• You must begin classes at your new school within 5 months of transferring out of your current school or with 5 months of the program completion date on your I-20, which ever is earlier.
  
• If you are currently on OPT, you must begin studies at your new school by the time the date of OPT authorization ends or within 5 months of transferring out of the school that recommended OPT, which ever is earlier.
  

How to Transfer to CIIS from Another School

1. You must notify your current school of your intent to transfer to CIIS and provide a letter of acceptance into a program at CIIS.
   
2. Notify the student advisor at CIIS of your intended release date from your current school and provide adequate documentation of financial support for your first year of study at CIIS.
   
3. After the release date and submission of financial documentation, the International Student Advisor will provide you with a new I-20 form.
   
4. You must report to the International Student Advisor at CIIS within 15 days of the program start date indicated on your new I-20.

How to Transfer from CIIS to Another School

Students transferring from CIIS to another school in the U.S. should inform the International Student Advisor at CIIS of your intent to transfer and provide proof of admittance into a new program. The International Student Advisor will need to know when you plan to leave the Institute and the SEVIS code for the new institution you plan to attend.

Download Transfer Eligibility Form