Transfer to Another Institution

F-1 students admitted to a degree program at another U.S. institution [not JHU] may wish to have their SEVIS record transferred to that new school. These students must request a Transfer Out from OIS no later than 60 days from the last day of enrollment at JHU or the end of Optional Practical Training [OPT]. 
 
If you are transferring to another JHU program refer to the instructions here.  

Eligibility for Transfer Out

To be eligible, students must meet the following general criteria: 

• Must be maintaining their F-1 status  
• Must have been admitted to a new degree program at a U.S. school    
• Must submit the Transfer Out eForm through iHopkins no later than 60 days following the last date of enrollment or within 60 days following the end of OPT 
• The new program must start within 5 months of the current program or OPT end date  

Choosing a Transfer Out Date

There are several factors to consider when determining your transfer out date. OIS cannot determine this date on a student’s behalf, and the F-1 student will enter their desired transfer date in the Transfer Out eForm in iHopkins.  

Program End Date: The program end date can be found on page 1 of the I-20. Your I-20 may have an estimated end date. Your actual program end date will be the final day of enrollment in your final semester of study. You may choose to transfer immediately after your program end date.    

60-Day Grace Period: The SEVIS record must be transferred before the end of the 60-day grace period following the final day of enrollment. For students on authorized OPT or the STEM OPT Extension, the transfer date must be before the end of the 60-day grace period following the end date on the EAD card. 

Program Start Date at New Institution: The new program must begin within 5 months from either the I-20 program end date or the OPT/STEM OPT authorization end date. If the start date is more than 5 months in the future, you are not eligible to transfer and should contact your new school to request an initial I-20 under a new SEVIS record.  

The SEVIS record can only be transferred to one school. Before requesting a transfer, decide which school you will attend. After the SEVIS record is transferred from Johns Hopkins to the new school, the transfer cannot be changed.

Transfer Out Application Process

1. Obtain admission to the new school 
2. Determine your transfer date to the new school 
3. Submit the F-1 SEVIS Transfer Out Request eForm in iHopkins. You may submit this in advance of completing your program. Our processing time is up to 10 business days. To submit your request: 
   • Go to http://ihopkins.jhu.edu 
   • Login with your JHED ID and password, if active  
     • Students without an Active JHED can click the “No Active JHED login” link to login with their DOB, JHU ID and iHopkins PIN 
   • In iHopkins, click on “F-1 Student Services” in the menu on the left, then click on “F-1 SEVIS Transfer Out Request” 
   • You will be required to enter your new school’s details, transfer date, and upload proof of admission to the new school  
4. On your chosen transfer date, your new school will have access to your SEVIS record and will be able to issue a new transfer I-20. OIS will no longer have access to your SEVIS record. Your I-20 from Johns Hopkins will no longer be valid
5. Complete the transfer-in steps at your new school. Contact their International Student Office regarding the process to obtain your transfer I-20 

Transferring Out and International Travel

F-1 students may wish to travel during their break between academic programs. While permissible, there are some timing considerations. 

If traveling abroad, you need the new school’s I-20 in hand when re-entering the U.S. After your SEVIS record is transferred from JHU to your new institution, your JHU I-20 will no longer be valid. The transfer date chosen should allow enough time for the new institution to process and issue a transfer I-20 before your return. 

Visa In Your Passport: If your F-1 visa in your passport is still valid at the time of your return to the United States, you may use that existing visa with your new transfer I-20 to re-enter.  

If your F-1 visa is expired or will expire by your expected return date, you will need to obtain a new F-1 visa before re-entering the US. You will need your new transfer I-20 for the appointment at the US Consulate.  

Transfer While on OPT

If you are currently on OPT or the STEM OPT Extension and you need to transfer your SEVIS record to a new school, you will need to submit the Transfer Out eForm in iHopkins.  

You may contact OIS to discuss the appropriate timing of your transfer.  The date OIS transfers your F-1 SEVIS record to your new school, any work authorization you have will end, and your final day of work must be before your transfer date.  

It is important to complete any outstanding OPT Reporting or STEM OPT Reporting prior to requesting a Transfer Out. 

Transfer Forms from Other Schools

The JHU Office of International Services does not complete transfer eligibility or verification forms from other schools because such forms are not required by regulations. Pertinent information can be found within your SEVIS record after we transfer it. OIS will never transfer a Terminated or Completed record to another school without the express permission of a DSO at the transfer in school. 

Frequently Asked Questions