Transfer
Receive your I-20s
If you have an active F-1 record at another U.S. institution, you must transfer your F-1 immigration record to UT Dallas in order to become a UT Dallas F-1 student. Review our Transfer In Guide for more details.
Eligibility
- Be admitted to a UT Dallas degree seeking program.
- Have a valid passport, expiring more than 6 months in the future.
- Have sufficient funding to support yourself for one academic year.
As a transfer student you will receive two I-20s:
#1: Transfer Pending I-20
- This I-20 shows you intend to transfer to UT Dallas, but the process is not complete yet. You can use the I-20 to remain in the U.S. or travel internationally.
#2: Transfer Complete I-20
- This I-20 shows your transfer is complete!
- Before your first semester at UT Dallas, you must complete the New Student Check-In process – Report your arrival
- After completing the New Student Check-In, you will recieve your Transfer Complete I-20 by Census day of your first semester.
Common Questions Asked
How do I submit my SEVIS immigration record to UT Dallas?
This is not a document. It is your electronic immigration record in the SEVIS database. Talk to the immigration advisor at the school that holds your SEVIS record about the transfer out process.
When should I apply for my transfer I-20?
Submit your documents and SEVIS immigration record to the UT Dallas ISSO before the start of classes. If you are traveling abroad over the summer, submit your documents early enough to re-enter the US with your UT Dallas I-20. You may view the UT Dallas academic calendar to see the semester start date.
Transfer students must begin classes at UT Dallas in the next available semester and must begin classes within 5 months of the transfer release date or program completion date, whichever is earlier.
If you will not be starting classes within 5 months of your transfer in date, you will need to leave the United States and apply for an Initial I-20.
Am I required to take summer classes?
Summer session may be required for students who will transfer to UT Dallas before completing a full academic year (two long semesters).
Do I need a new visa?
If you are remaining inside the U.S. while transferring between schools, you do not need a new visa. If your F-1 visa is still valid, you may continue to use it for international travel, even though you have changed schools. Transferring between schools does not invalidate your visa.
If you are unable to start classes at UT Dallas within five months of your transfer release date, you can obtain an Initial I-20, depart the U.S., and then return to the U.S. up to 30 days before your new program start date. In this case, we recommend to check with your local U.S. embassy/consulate to make sure your visa is still valid.
