How to Transfer From One University to Another in The USA

How to transfer from one university to another in the USA: Often, students wanting to study in the US do not get admission to their University of choice for various reasons and have to settle for their second-best option. Other times, students opt to transfer from one US University to another in case their current university, course or curriculum does not align with their goals.

Students are choosing to transfer from one US University to another to find a school that better aligns with their career goals. These students aren't just looking for a school that has the same course or curriculum, they're also looking for an environment where they feel comfortable. However, they can always opt to transfer from one US university to another given they satisfy the eligibility criteria of both universities.

What does transferring from one US university to another mean?

When an applicant studying at an American University, considers switching from one US university to the other, this is called transferring from one US university to another. Students who take a transfer are usually referred to as transfer students. There are different rules and admission criteria plus deadlines for transfer students applying at different US universities for a transfer. 

The possibility of transfer is available for both domestic and international students. Many students suffer from the rigidity of the academic calendar. They can apply for a transfer before the commencement of a semester or in between academic sessions. This ensures that they are not put through unnecessary stress and can focus on their studies.

However, they would be required to adhere to certain rules and regulations to transfer. However, this transfer process comes with its pros and cons. Thus, a student must be certain about his decision to change universities before diving into the process. Read on to understand the entire process of students transferring from one US University to another in the US.

Reasons to Transfer from One US University to Another

There can be various reasons why an applicant chooses to transfer from his/her US university to another, let's check them out below:

• The applicant couldn't get through their choice of US university in the first place and now wishes to take a transfer.
• The applicant took an associate degree course at a community college in USA and is now planning to transfer to a bigger university to complete a bachelor's degree. 
• Maybe the course the applicant has chosen will not include a particular specialisation or goal fulfilment and hence, taking a transfer becomes necessary.
• Students who wish to pursue certain credit courses that are not available at the current US university can apply for a transfer to another university offering those courses.
• Transferring from one US university to another can also be because the applicant has issues with accommodation or other expenditures and maybe he/she is eligible for a scholarship related to this at another US university, hence they can take a transfer in this case.
• If there is a particular faculty member under whom the applicant wishes to study or work at another university, could also be the reason for transferring.

Students can have various reasons for transferring from one US university to another, thus whatever the reason, if it fits with the applicant's goal, he or she can go for a transfer. 

Steps to Transfer from One US University to Another

Provided below are instructions for candidates looking to transfer from one university to another. 

Step 1: Contact your International Student Advisor / Academic Advisor

International Student Advisors and Academic Advisors are dedicated to helping students make the transfer process process as seamless as possible. They offer information about what it is like to work in your chosen country, the housing market in your chosen country and tips on how to get around the country. Candidates are always advised to seek guidance from International Student Advisors / Academic Advisors at the start of the transfer process. The advisors would be able to provide students with in-depth knowledge of the transfer policy for the current university. This should be your first and foremost step as it is highly important to speak with your student advisor or course coordinator regarding your plans of transfer. They can guide you about the university’s exact policy regarding the transfer option.

They will even guide you about financial obligations that are included in such transfer cases. In case, you are an international student, certain visa considerations will also be there as in most cases. The new university will be restricted to allow the transfer if you have not completed a minimum of six months of the main course of study at your current institution. If you are initiating a transfer process before the competition of six months, you are required to get a ‘Letter of Release’ from your current institution. As every transfer case is different, a student advisor will be able to give you the correct information and help you move ahead with your decision.

Step 2: Update your Visa Requirements

For an international student, getting your US Student Visa sorted is a must at the next step. In order to study in the United States, you need to get a student visa. The process can be complicated and expensive, but if you're going to be studying there and hence, it is an official permit for applicants studying there. It's also important that once you've been accepted into a program at your school, you start looking into how long the process will take and what documentation you'll need.

When a student is granted a visa, there are certain requirements, they need to meet for visa acceptance. And those requirements are mainly for your current institution. However, for transferring to another university in the USA, you need to meet the visa requirements as per new institutions. If you are granted a streamlined student visa, you will be able to transfer to only the universities that are eligible for a streamlined student visa.

However, if you wish to transfer to an institution that is not eligible for this kind of student visa, you might be required to cancel your current visa and reapply. In this regard, visa requirements become an important deciding factor if you wish to transfer to another university. For all this information, you need to get in touch with the visa authority to read the exact status of your case.

Step 3: Check your financial obligations

An important aspect of the college application process is prioritizing your university choices. Universities charge different tuition rates and it's important to know the cost of each before making a decision. Switching universities brings with it some amount of financial planning as the tuition cost of each university varies. So, you might have to pay more if your new university is more expensive than the current one.

If you are transferring in the middle of a year, you might not be entitled to loans and grants as you might have used them in your current university. Also, candidates would be required to settle all financial dues with their current university. Every university sets up a date after which you are required to pay the full cost of that semester.

If you switch to university before that date, you can expect some amount of refund. Hence, it is important to get an exact picture of your financial dues from your current university before you plan to make a move.

Step 4: Get in touch with the new university

The process of transferring universities is pretty simple. All you need to do is find the right university, search its website for an online form and fill it out. Once the form has been submitted, most universities will start their transfer process within a week or so. The transfer process varies from one university to another but they all have similar guidelines on what they require from students. While considering the transfer option, you must check the features and policies of the university you wish to transfer to. Right from the course curriculum, and infrastructure to course fees and faculty need to be checked so that you can select the right university this time. Once you are certain about your choice of university, you need to gather information about the transfer policies of that institution so that you can start the transfer process.

Documents Required to Transfer from One US University to Another

The following documents will be required by applicants who are thinking of switching from one US university to another for whatever reasons they have:

• Students are required to have a valid i20
• Students are required to have in possession an F1 or J1 Visa
• The student must clear all financial dues in his current university and meet all finances from his new university
• Both universities must be open to the policy of transferring students from one university to another in the United States.

Further Reading

Can US University be Changed After Receiving F1 Visa in USA?

There are a lot of candidates wondering whether they can change their university after having their F1 issued. The simple answer is yes. A candidate can opt for a new university after having their F1 stamped. Once the student gets admitted to the new university. He can inform the original university that he wishes to transfer his I-20. They will fill out the form and send it or the student can bring it to the new school. The new school will make out a new I-20 and give him a copy.

The student can do this as often as he likes. USCIS is not even involved. The schools will send them copies for their records. Keep all I-20s. You need an unbroken trail to maintain your student status. If you lose one, you can have the school make another copy of the lost I-20 for you, but it's easier to make sure you keep copies. Do not let any school “terminate” your I-20. Then you have to leave the USA to re-enter with a new I-20. Do not make out a new F-1 visa petition. It is not needed.

Transferring from one university to another might come with its set of challenges. However, if you are an international student, you need to remember that you are required to keep a copy of any cancellation and enrolment paperwork. Students who are studying abroad should make sure they carry a copy of any cancel they receive from their old university. This will help them in the event that they need to return or transfer back to their home university.

You should check your student visa requirements carefully as your future is at stake. Lastly, don’t forget to contact the Department of Home Affairs and provide an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) certificate from your new institution. Got more doubts? You can write to us in the comments below.

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