Can I Use My F1 Visa For Another School? - EBETEC Language Academy

An F-1 visa enables foreigners to legally enter the United States to pursue a course or study at an English language program in an accredited college or university. It is also important to note that, like most F-1 visa students, many will transfer or change their schools during their studies. But can you use the existing F-1 visa if you would like to study at another school? Let's take a closer look.  

Is it possible to transfer my F-1 Visa to another school?

F-1 Visa Students

Yes, F-1 visa students can transfer to a new school if they wish to switch visas to the United States. Nevertheless, specific steps must be taken when changing your F-1 status. The primary condition concerning the SEVIS record is that it has to be transferred from the current school to the new one, where they will issue you an I-20 form. Ensure you properly transition between two acceptable schools as a foreign F-1 student, and your visa can remain valid.

Is a newly issued f-1 visa required to transfer to a new school? 

Generally, F-1 students require no new F-1 visa to transfer from school to school in the United States. Even if you transfer, your current single entry visa will still be valid and allow you to enter the US if you are enrolled in a new academic program. The exceptions are, however, if your current F-1 visa will expire soon or it is, for other reasons, invalid. In such circumstances, you may be required to get a new F-1 visa stamp before embarking on international travel and re-entering the United States to enroll in the new school.  

What Can I Do With My F-1 Visa Nowadays?

Generally, an F-1 visa, when stamped in your passport, is valid for five years or the length of stay determined by the immigration officer. You can use it to enter the U.S. to transfer to any school you transfer to for the next five years. The SEVIS number is valid, provided you adhere to all the F-1 visa transfer requirements. One important thing to remember is that F-1 status—your legal right to be physically present in the United States—is valid only as long as your current I-20 form lists an end date for the program to which you are said to belong. To maintain the legal status of F-1 visa students, make sure your transfer and the new I-20s are processed on time.

Conclusion & Next Steps

EBETEC Language Academy assists F-1 students in many related services, such as transfer of schools, issuance of I-20s, visa renewal, and many others. Suppose you are an international student who intends to transfer to another U.S. academic program. In that case, EBETEC Language Academy has the experience to help you correctly through the F-1 visa transfer process. Call them today to fix your problems and discuss your case with a specialist.