International Students Transferring Schools

Important Reminder for International Students Transferring Schools

If you are transferring to a new school, it is critical that your SEVIS record is transferred in a timely manner. Failure to transfer your SEVIS record on time may result in your record being placed in Completed or Terminated status, which can jeopardize your F-1 status.

Once your SEVIS record has been successfully transferred, you must promptly obtain your new I-20 from the Designated School Official (DSO) at your new institution. If the I-20 is not issued and collected, it may remain in Draft status.

If an I-20 stays in Draft status for more than five (5) months, your DSO will be unable to register your SEVIS record. At that point, additional corrective steps are required to resolve the issue, which may include contacting SEVP for further guidance.

Timely action at each stage of the transfer process is essential to maintaining your lawful F-1 status.

How to Fix an Error on Your I-94 (Fast)


When entering the U.S., some students may have multiple SEVIS records for different reasons for example, a previous record was terminated, or they received a new “Initial” I-20 before returning to the U.S.

Because of this, CBP officers may sometimes attach your new travel I-94 to the wrong SEVIS record, which can cause problems with your status or school reporting.

If this happens, don’t panic. Below are the steps to correct the issue and get your records aligned properly.

CBP now lets you request electronic I-94 corrections online through the Traveler Communication Center (TCC). You can also email the Deferred Inspection office at your port of entry.

Option 1: Submit online (TCC)
1. Open CBP’s “Ask a Question” webform.
2. Topic: “I-94/Traveler Compliance.”
3. Issue: “Issue with my I-94/Traveler History.”
4. Follow the prompts and upload your documents.

Option 2: Email Deferred Inspection
1. Find the email for the Deferred Inspection office where you entered the U.S.
2. Email a brief note explaining the error and request a correction.
3. Attach your documents.

Include with your request
• Short explanation of the error
• Passport bio page (copy)
• Visa page, if applicable (copy)
• U.S. address and phone number
• Any other supporting documents

Tip: Keep copies of everything you send and note the date you submitted.

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F-1 Change of Status Denial

🚨 Important Update for Students Who Filed a Change of Status (COS) and Was Denied.

If you applied for a Change of Status and received a denial, please take a breath this part is important.

When a Change of Status is denied, the SEVIS system automatically terminates your I-20.
This means you will no longer have a Change of Status I-20 in the system.

This is expected behavior. Do not panic.

If you plan to file Form I-290B (Motion to Reopen or Reconsider), here’s what you need to understand:

Once the COS is denied, your school cannot keep a COS I-20 in initial change of status.

A reinstatement I-20 is typically issued instead.

While the appeal is pending, the SEVIS record will remain terminated this does not mean your case is over

If USCIS grants your I-290B:

Your reinstatement I-20 becomes active, and
Your DSO will issue an updated, active I-20 reflecting your reinstated Chang of Status.

Every case is different. Timing, filing strategy, and school coordination matter.

Do not assume termination means denial forever and do not take action without understanding the process.

If you’re unsure how this applies to your situation, get guidance before making your next move.