Transfer Out Policy Announcement
Important Changes: Transfer Out Fee Requirement Beginning Fall 2024
Any student making a transfer-out request from Illinois Tech after July 21, 2024, will be required to attend a full semester of classes at Illinois Tech or be subject to a $2,500 enrollment and transfer support fee.
All transfer-out requests will be processed after courses begin using the timetable below. This fee will help cover administrative costs, including, but not limited to, advising appointments, live chat, workshops, and immigration document evaluation and processing for international students who complete a SEVIS transfer-out request after July 21, 2024.
If you know that you will be attending a university other than Illinois Tech before arriving in the United States, do not enter the U.S. with an Illinois Tech I-20. Take appropriate action to obtain an I-20 and updated visa for the university you will be attending by contacting the U.S. Consulate or Embassy that issued your F-1 visa stamp.
If your plans change after your departure, you will be subject to the following fees and procedures below.
Transfer Out Processing Dates
The Illinois Tech Office of Global Services (OGS) prioritizes the needs of students who intend to study at Illinois Tech. While OGS is required to transfer out students who request it, OGS can set operational processes for the transfer process. As a result, students who enter the U.S. and seek to transfer out without attending Illinois Tech will be served during the following timetable.
- After July 21, 2024: Transfer-out requests will be subject to a $2,500 fee.
- Before August 18, 2024: No initial transfer-outs will occur while OGS welcomes and orients new Illinois Tech students.
- August 19, 2024–September 4, 2024: The transfer out of all complete requests (with a paid transfer-out fee, dropped all registered courses) will be processed during this range of dates.
- September 5, 2024, and later: Transfer out of all remaining requests that meet legal requirements and approved waiver of transfer fee.
Transfer Out Timing Requirements
U.S. Department of Homeland Security regulations require all F-1 students to be enrolled in courses within 30 days of their first arrival in the U.S. Before arranging for a transfer, check that the new university’s start date is within 30 days of your U.S. arrival date.
- If yes, proceed with the transfer provided that you meet Illinois Tech transfer requirements, including paying the $2,500 transfer fee.
- If no, choose from the following:
- Option A: Enroll at Illinois Tech for at least one semester and then transfer out.
- Option B: Leave the U.S. and return later to attend the desired university. This option would require you to apply for authorized early withdrawal, obtain a new I-20 from the desired university, and pay the SEVIS I-901 fee again.
- Option C: Proceed to transfer to the desired school. This involves terminating your SEVIS record and going through a reinstatement process to remain legally in the U.S. Not all universities will accept a terminated SEVIS record. You will need to confirm with your desired university whether or not they will accept your SEVIS record in terminated status.
Note: If you are considering options #2b or #2c, contact Illinois Tech OGS for further details.
Transfer Out Document Requirements
The Office of Global Services will begin to transfer out SEVIS records after the start of courses (August 19, 2024), if ALL the transfer-out requirements are complete:
- Proof of admission to the transfer-in school
- Pay transfer-out fee ($2,500 if attending less than one semester)
- U.S. address (even if temporary)
- Copy of F-1 visa
- Copy of Illinois Tech I-20 with your signature on page one
- Copy of I-94 electronic printout or copy of front and back of white card
Transferring Your SEVIS Record
Your SEVIS record must reflect your current academic institution. If you transfer to a new institution, your immigration status and SEVIS record must also be transferred to that institution. You must transfer your SEVIS record if you have graduated from Illinois Institute of Technology and are starting a new degree program at a new university or if you will not complete studies at Illinois Tech and are starting studies at a new institution.
Important Notes About Transferring Your Record
- A SEVIS transfer is a transfer of your immigration status, not your academic credits.
- Once your record has been transferred, all employment must stop—this includes on-campus employment and Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and Academic Training (AT).
- Traveling may impact your transfer release date. Please discuss any upcoming travel plans with the Office of Global Services (OGS).
- Once a record has been transferred, OGS will no longer have access to it.
- Once a record has been transferred, the transfer cannot be canceled or reversed. If you change your mind, you must inform an OGS adviser prior to the SEVIS release date by scheduling a meeting with an adviser.
Eligibility
You must be maintaining F-1/J-1 status at Illinois Tech. This includes students in the following situations:
- Enrolled as a full-time student
- On OPT/STEM OPT/Academic Training
- Arrived in the U.S. and completed check-in with OGS (new students only)
- Recent graduate (within 60 days for F1 Students and within 30 days for J-1 Students)
J-1 students have additional restrictions, so any transfer plans must be discussed with an OGS adviser.
Procedures
Submit an "F-1 SEVIS Transfer Out" or "J-1 SEVIS Transfer Out" request within the ISSS Portal along with the following documents:
- Admission letter from another United States institution
- Copy of your new school’s transfer form (if applicable)
- Processing times for this request are two business days. Please submit your complete request to OGS at least two business days prior to your desired transfer date.
Current IIT students ONLY: Withdraw your academic record online through the MyIIT portal—look for the “Academic Affairs Channel” under the Academics tab.
Report to the international office at the new school and notify them that you should be issued a “Transfer Pending” I-20 with the same SEVIS ID number or a transfer DS-2019.