A student who comes to UConn after studying at another U.S. school can maintain valid F-1/J-1 visa status through the SEVIS transfer process. A SEVIS transfer happens when your current school gives your new school (UConn) access to your SEVIS record, and then UConn can issue a Form I-20/DS-2019 for you.

If you qualify for a SEVIS transfer, you keep the same SEVIS number and you may remain in the U.S. during the time between programs. The international office at your current school should advise you on whether you are eligible for a SEVIS transfer to UConn. Tell your current school's international office about your plans to attend UConn before you request your I-20/DS-2019 from UConn.

Eligibility for SEVIS Transfer

1. Admitted to an academic program at the University of Connecticut.
2. Your current school must transfer your SEVIS record before the end of your 60-day grace period.
3. Your UConn program must begin within 5 months of your last date of study or OPT work if you will stay in the U.S. between programs.
4. You must maintain your legal F-1/J-1 status prior to transferring.  If your current SEVIS record is not in “active” status, your DSO/ARO at your current school should contact UConn International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) before transfer.
5. J-1 Students must consult with their current ARO and UConn International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) before requesting transfer of SEVIS record to confirm transfer eligibility.

Transfer Process

1. Receive admission the University of Connecticut.
2. Ask your current school to transfer your active F-1 SEVIS record by the transfer deadline to the correct UConn SEVIS school (campus) code (see campus table below). J-1 Students: Ask the international office at your current school to contact UConn International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) regarding your SEVIS transfer timing.  *UConn does not have a Transfer In form requirement.
3. Submit your I-20/DS-2019 request in the ISSS portal.  Select "YES" when asked, "Are you transferring your SEVIS record (I-20/DS-2019 form) to UConn?"
4. Choose your designated UConn SEVIS school (campus) code.  PLEASE NOTE:  The University of Connecticut has multiple campuses and SEVIS school codes.  Please choose the appropriate school code based on the campus of your admission (see admission letter & campus code table below).
5. F-1 students: UConn will process a “transfer pending” I-20.  UConn cannot issue your form I-20 until the transfer release date indicated by you and your advisor on your SEVIS Transfer Release Form.  If you are traveling between programs, you will need your transfer pending I-20 to reenter the U.S. and you may be restricted to reentering only 30 days prior to the new I-20 start date.
6. J-1 students: ISSS will process a new Form DS-2019 for your UConn program. If you are traveling outside the U.S. between programs, you will need your new DS-2019 to reenter the U.S.

Students on Post Completion OPT

If you are on post-completion OPT through another school and gain admission to UConn, your old school can transfer your SEVIS record to UConn if you meet the standard transfer eligibility criteria. Your OPT will end and your EAD cannot be used from the date that your old school releases your SEVIS record to UConn. Please plan accordingly.

Students with Inactive SEVIS records

If your SEVIS record is currently in TERMINATED, COMPLETED, INVALID or NO SHOW status, please do not ask your current school to transfer your SEVIS record.  Please ask your current DSO/ARO (International Advisor) to contact International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) at 860-486-3855 or international@uconn.edu to discuss your record.

If you are admitted to UConn, or are a current UConn student already in the United States with a visa that does not permit study, you may be able to change to F-1 or J-1 visa to study at UConn. We advise most UConn students to obtain a student visa through travel, but for some, this may not be a good option. If you cannot travel, you may be able to file a change of status application (Form I-539) with the U.S. government without leaving the country.

If you are considering this option, schedule an appointment with your ISSS advisor to discuss your eligibility and the process.

Change of Status key facts:

• If you are studying on a dependent visa and you will “age out” of that visa, contact ISSS at least one year before turning 21.

• Change of status applications can take a very long time to process– check current processing times here. Select Form I-539 and Vermont Service Center from the drop down menu.

• USCIS requires that you maintain your current active status until the date that your F-1 visa change of status is approved.

• If you have a GA-ship, Change of Status may not be a viable option for you due to long processing times.

• ISSS must receive your Form I-20/DS-2019 request for Change of Status applications at least four months prior to the semester for which you wish to change status.

• If you completed a J-1 Exchange Visitor program in the United States and you are subject to the 212(e) home residency requirement, you may not change visa status through this process. You will be required to apply for a new non-immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy/consulate abroad unless you have a waiver of the 212(e) requirement.

Resources:

USCIS Form I-539

USCIS How Do I Change to another Nonimmigrant Status?

USCIS Changing to a Nonimmigrant F or M Student Status

Your I-20 or DS-2019 will only be issued after the Graduate School has received all required documents to finalize your admission. Questions? Visit the Graduate School’s International Student FAQ page.

Graduate Assistants: If your attendance at UConn depends on receipt of a Graduate Assistantship, please wait until you receive a Graduate Assistantship award letter from your academic department before submitting your I-20 request.

Prospective Bachelor’s students should check here for information on applying to UConn. Prospective Master’s/PhD students should check admission criteria and procedures for both the program you wish to study in, as well as the Graduate School admission procedures.  

If you are interested in studying English as a Second Language, UCAELI offers an Intensive English Program.

Prospective research students must be invited by a UConn faculty member to undertake research or an internship at the University. Please visit our webpage for Visiting Scholars to learn more.

Exchange Students: Submit your DS-2019 request by June 1 for fall term or by December 1 for spring term.

If you are already in the U.S. on a visa: I-20/DS-2019 forms issued for change of status purpose must be requested at least 4 months before the semester you wish to begin F-1/J-1 status.  If you will travel abroad to change status, you will be issued a standard I-20/DS-2019 and should request by the deadline below. The deadline to request a change of status I-20 with Fall 19 start date is April 20th.

All other students: Submit your I-20/DS-2019 request to ISSS at least one month before the semester that you will begin your program.

At this time, students have the option to receive the I-20 form electronically and self-print, or have the document issued with wet signature and mailed to you. Students pay the shipping costs if we mail the form to you.  Form DS-2019s must still be issued as paper forms, and ISSS will send you information on how to have your document shipped to you, after your Form DS-2019 has been processed.