Transfer Your SEVIS Record to SNHU
As an international student, you may have questions about how to transfer your Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record to Southern New Hampshire University. We’re here to help make that transition as smooth as possible for you, and that includes ensuring we follow necessary guidelines set by the federal government.
Note: SEVIS transfers to SNHU are immigration-related, and represent a change in the school you are authorized to attend by USCIS. This process is not related to transferring academic credit.
Join a virtual info session
These one-hour sessions offer an overview of the SEVIS transfer process, plus dedicated time for Q&A. If you want to see the full presentation, sign in at the start of the session. If you just need a few questions answered, sign on at the 30-minute mark!
Am I eligible for an F-1 SEVIS transfer?
You might be. Let’s break down what you need to know based on your individual situation.
I'm a current F-1 student continuing my studies.
You may qualify for a SEVIS transfer to SNHU if you meet all of the following requirements:
- You have been admitted to a full-time program of study at SNHU’s Manchester campus
- You have maintained an active F-1 status at your previous institution
- Your SEVIS record will be transferred to SNHU before the end of your 60-day grace period
- You are entering the next available SNHU term or your SNHU program will begin no more than five months after your most recent date of enrollment or the end of any post-completion Optical Practical Training (OPT), as determined by your current school.
I have entered the United States and have now changed my mind without attending my first school.
Note: If you have not entered the United States, we recommend that you get a new visa stamp and have your SEVIS fee transferred.
You may qualify for a SEVIS transfer if you meet all of the following requirements:
- You have been admitted to a full-time program of study at SNHU
- You have checked in with the school listed on your Initial Form I-20 before that school’s program start date
- You consulted with the Designated School Official (DSO) at your current school and requested a transfer of your SEVIS record to SNHU
- Your date of entry into the United States is no more than 30 days before the program start date at SNHU
I have a Terminated or Completed SEVIS record.
SNHU will consider acceptance of a SEVIS record which is in Terminated or Completed status. You will have the ability to apply for reinstatement with the guidance of an immigration attorney. In this instance, the requirements are:
- You have been admitted to a full-time program of study at SNHU
- You consulted with the DSO at the school which holds your SEVIS record and requested your SEVIS record be transferred to SNHU
- You enroll in a full course of study in the next available SNHU term, even if your reinstatement request with USCIS is still in process
- You depart the U.S. and return with an initial I-20 from SNHU after paying the SEVIS fee again or seeking reinstatement.
Note: SNHU can issue a Reinstatement I-20, but we do not assist with the actual reinstatement process with USCIS.
SEVIS transfer, step-by-step
Gain admission to SNHU
It’s simple: review admission requirements, complete your application and receive a decision.
Complete self-reported SEVIS record
Upon acceptance to a full-time SNHU program, the self-reported SEVIS record will be emailed to you via DocuSign. Once the form is complete, a copy will be sent to us automatically.
Submit required immigration documents
Email your bank statement, F-1 visa and Affidavit of Support (if using a sponsor) to Intgrdocs@snhu.edu. For more information, you can review SNHU's international admission requirements.
Request a SEVIS transfer by your Current DSO
Start by informing the international student office at your current institution that you intend to transfer your SEVIS record to SNHU. From here, you’ll need to submit your SNHU acceptance letter to them, which will include SNHU’s SEVIS School Code.
The SEVIS release is commonly completed at the end of your current semester, OPT period or in line with potential travel plans. This date should be determined by you in consultation with your DSO.
Receive your SNHU Form I-20
Once your current school has transferred your SEVIS record, SNHU will issue a "Transfer-Pending" I-20. It’s important to review this document for accuracy. Once you check in on campus, you’ll receive an updated I-20.
Note: Your SNHU I-20 cannot be issued until we receive your SEVIS record and all required documents have been submitted.
Complete check-in at SNHU
Completing check-in is required by immigration regulations, and allows SNHU to:
- Review your immigration documents to confirm eligibility for intended study
- Report the arrival of a SNHU-sponsored F-1 student to the Department of Homeland Security
- Help you get settled on campus and answer any questions you have
- Ensure you’re added to email lists that provide valuable immigration-related messaging, like travel advisories and tax information
Student medical requirements
New Hampshire state law requires that all students be immunized (vaccinated) against certain communicable diseases. All full-time students on SNHU’s Manchester campus (domestic and international) must provide medical record requirements prior to the start of classes. Failure to complete the medical requirements may result in serious consequences, such as not being allowed to check in or being unable to begin classes.
Required medical documents:
- A completed health history form
- Up-to-date immunization records
- Tuberculosis screening questionnaire (and any needed tuberculosis test results)
For more information on SNHU’s immunization requirements and forms, please visit our Wellness Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I transfer my SEVIS record to SNHU?
First, gain admission to SNHU. Once you’re accepted, submit your letter of acceptance to the DSO of your current school and request that your SEVIS record be transferred to SNHU. See full list of steps in the checklist higher up on this page.
What is SNHU’s SEVIS School Code?
Southern New Hampshire University - Manchester BOS214F00527000
What if I just arrived in the United States with an Initial I-20 from another school?
You are required to report to the school listed on your I-20 before the program start date. “Reporting” to your school can be done in person, via email or by telephone. Next, submit your SNHU acceptance letter to the DSO of your current school.
IMPORTANT: To be eligible for SEVIS transfer, SNHU’s program start must be within 30 days of your arrival to the United States. If you arrived in the United States more than 30 days before SNHU’s program start date, your SEVIS record cannot be transferred in Active status. Please refer to the question on transfer of terminated SEVIS record.
Does my time as an F-1 student at my transfer-out school count toward the one full academic year provision for OPT?
Yes, an F-1 transfer student can count the time spent studying at the transfer-out school toward OPT regulatory requirements (F-1 status for “one full academic year").
How does a SEVIS transfer impact my OPT period?
Your authorization for OPT ends on the transfer release date. Authorization for OPT is not transferable. If you want to complete OPT, the transfer-out school must set the release date for a date after the OPT ends.
Can I transfer my terminated SEVIS record?
If your SEVIS record is terminated, you have two options:
- You can apply for reinstatement through USCIS.
- You can depart the U.S., and apply as an initial F-1 student.
Upon acceptance into a SNHU program, SNHU will accept a terminated SEVIS record. In this instance, you will be issued a reinstatement I-20. It will be your responsibility, as the student, to file for reinstatement with USCIS. We highly recommend working with an immigration attorney through this process.
From here, you’ll need to begin a full course of study in SNHU’s next available term or within five months, whichever is earlier (even if USCIS is still processing the reinstatement application). If USCIS denies the reinstatement, you will need to depart from the United States.
With a SNHU Initial Form I-20, you must exit the U.S. and return in a new F-1 nonimmigrant status (initial admission). If you choose this option, you’ll need to pay a new SEVIS fee. You will lose credit for any time accumulated toward qualification for benefits such as OPT. If your visa is valid, you will not need a new visa.
If you have a terminated SEVIS due to failure to maintain status or violation of any provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), you may be denied re-entry to the United States.
What should I request as my SEVIS transfer release date?
You should consult with your current DSO to choose a release date. The date should be chosen based on the completion of your classes, OPT, etc. Once your school transfers your SEVIS record, they will no longer have access to the record.
What if my current classes end close to the start of SNHU’s term?
It’s okay if your SEVIS record is transferred close to the start of your SNHU term. You’ll just need to ensure that all other requirements have been completed to check in and begin classes.
When will I receive my SNHU Form I-20?
Your SNHU I-20 will be issued within 3-5 business days of receipt of your SEVIS record and all required immigration documents.
Will I have the same SEVIS record number?
Yes. If you transfer your current SEVIS record to SNHU, your SEVIS number will be the same.
Do I need to re-pay the SEVIS fee?
No. If you transfer your active SEVIS record, you do not need to repay the SEVIS fee.
What if my F-1 visa is expired?
While you are inside the United States, it’s okay if your F-1 visa is expired. If you travel outside of the United States, you’ll need to renew your F-1 visa to re-enter.
Can I travel outside the U.S. between programs?
Traveling between programs requires coordination with timing and I-20 issuance. You must re-enter the United States with a Form I-20 for the school that holds the Active or Initial record. Please consult with your DSO on these details.