Template
SEVIS Transfer Timeline Template
A week-by-week plan for moving your record between schools.
20 min to fill in F-1 students transferring schools or programs Updated August 2026
Release datesFill-in tableDeadlines
A SEVIS transfer is a sequence, not a single form. Copy the table below into a spreadsheet, put real dates in the target column, and share it with both DSOs so everyone works from the same schedule.
The timeline
| Week | Action | Owner |
|---|---|---|
| -8 | Receive admission decision and review the CPT policy in writing | You |
| -7 | Submit enrollment deposit and request the transfer-in form | You |
| -6 | Notify current DSO of intent to transfer and propose a release date | You |
| -5 | Current DSO sets the SEVIS release date | Current DSO |
| -4 | New school issues the transfer-pending I-20 | New DSO |
| -3 | Register for first-term courses and confirm the in-person session dates | You |
| -2 | Submit CPT request packet with offer letter and job description | You |
| -1 | Attend new-student check-in and complete SEVIS registration | You |
| 0 | Program start date, CPT authorization printed on I-20 | New DSO |
| +1 | Confirm employment start matches the CPT authorization dates | You |
Fields to fill in
- Current school and DSO contact
- New school and DSO contact
- SEVIS release date agreed
- New program start date
- CPT start and end dates on the I-20
- Employer address on file with the school
Rules that break timelines
A release date that lands after your new program starts invalidates the plan. Travel between the release date and check-in requires the new school's I-20. Any gap in enrollment can end status, so keep the release date inside the school break.
Do not forget
- ·The release date drives everything else, so lock it first
- ·Do not travel between release and check-in without the new I-20
- ·Any employment must pause until the new CPT authorization is active
Related documents
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