Students currently in the U.S. with a valid
I-20 or DS-2019
If
you are currently in legal F-1 status, and do not plan to return to
your home country before beginning classes at The Chicago School of
Professional Psychology (TCS), you should plan to have your SEVIS record
transferred to TCS from your current institution.
How Do I Transfer My SEVIS Record?
SEVIS transfer form
To
transfer your SEVIS record, please fill out the SEVIS transfer form
(above). After you fill out the form, please give it to your current
immigration advisors. After you give it to your current advisor, you
will need to request they transfer your SEVIS record and submit the
SEVIS transfer form to verify you are in status and eligible for
transfer.
Transferring your SEVIS record: When making the
request at your current institution, you will need to identify a SEVIS
release date. This date must not be any sooner than 5 months prior to
the date you are able to start classes at TCS and no later than the
first day of
International Student Orientation (the required report date at TCS for international students is the first day of orientation).
Students
on OPT: If you are currently working on OPT, be advised that once your
SEVIS record is released, your OPT is automatically terminated and you
are no long authorized to work.
Why Should I Transfer My SEVIS Record?
By
properly transferring your SEVIS record, you are able to remain in the
United States legally in F-1 status between programs (so long as your
can start classes at the next program within 5 months from your release
dates). Additionally, with a proper transfer I-20, you can enter the
United States on a valid visa from your previous school. You do not need
to apply for a new one.
If
you do not choose to transfer you SEVIS record or are otherwise
ineligible (out of status), you must leave the country and reenter on an
initial attendance I-20. Failure to do so will result in you falling
out of status. In this case, you must apply
for a new F-1 visa to match the I-20 issued by TCS. (For more
information about how to apply for an F-1 visa, see
https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en.html. You will also need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee again (
https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home)
since you are receiving a new SEVIS record. Additionally, your F-1
status is reset and you are again subject to the required waiting period
for certain benefits such as Optional Practical Training (OPT). It is
important, therefore, for you to clearly communicate your intentions to
the Office of International Services at TCS.
After your SEVIS Record Has Been Transferred
Your
Chicago School I-20 will be issued to you when your SEVIS record is
released and you have reported to the Office of International Student
Services. If you need your I-20 prior to the start of classes (e.g. if
you plan to travel internationally before you begin your studies),
please contact an
immigration advisor
at your campus. It is pertinent that you check in to the Office of
International Services at International Student Orientation or before
classes begin. If you are unable to do so, you should inform
immigration advisor.Lastly,
it is essential that you attend the international student orientation.
Attendance is required of all F-1 students, including transfer students.
Staff will address immigration regulations, school policies and
procedures and cultural adjustment issues.
The legal responsibility to adhere to all United States immigration
regulations falls upon your shoulders; consequently, it is important you
do not miss international student orientation!