Applying to transfer your I-20 to maintain F-1 status

Now that you have been admitted to an eligible program, you will be able to initiate the transfer of your SEVIS record from your current SEVP-approved institution to Lehman College. You will need to work with the Designated School Official (DSO) at your current institution to discuss your eligibility for I-20 transfer and the transfer release timing. Plan to present the DSO with your acceptance communication from Lehman College and your prepared SEVIS Transfer Release Form. Inform both the DSO at your current institution and your new Lehman College DSO if you plan to travel outside of the U.S in between programs.

To receive your Form I-20 “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status” in Transfer Pending Status from Lehman College, you will need to complete the I-20 Application and submit your fully executed SEVIS Transfer Release Form.

• Make sure the application is complete. Submit it and all supporting documents via Liquid Files.
• In preparing your financial documentation, please ensure that all statements have been issued within the last 6 months from the date of application.
• Did you know that you can have multiple financial sponsors? If you will have multiple sponsors, each sponsor must provide: financial documentation in the amount that they will cover, a current employment letter or most recent tax return, and a completed Affidavit of Support form.
• Once uploaded, your Designated School Official (DSO) will review your application within 5 business days and contact you if additional documentation is needed.
• Once uploaded, your Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) will review your request form within 5 business days and contact you if additional documentation is needed.
• Once your I-20 application is remarked as complete, you will receive your Form I-20 from Lehman College within 5 business days following the Transfer Release Date.

Applying to transfer your I-20 to maintain F-1 status

Now that you have been admitted to an eligible program, you will be able to initiate the transfer of your SEVIS record from your current SEVP-approved institution to Lehman College. You will need to work with the Designated School Official (DSO) at your current institution to discuss your eligibility for I-20 transfer and the transfer release timing. Plan to present the DSO with your acceptance communication from Lehman College and your prepared SEVIS Transfer Release Form. Inform both the DSO at your current institution and your new Lehman College DSO if you plan to travel outside of the U.S in between programs.

To receive your Form I-20 “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status” in Transfer Pending Status from Lehman College, you will need to complete the I-20 Application and submit your fully executed SEVIS Transfer Release Form.

• Make sure the application is complete. Submit it and all supporting documents via Liquid Files.
• In preparing your financial documentation, please ensure that all statements have been issued within the last 6 months from the date of application.
• Did you know that you can have multiple financial sponsors? If you will have multiple sponsors, each sponsor must provide: financial documentation in the amount that they will cover, a current employment letter or most recent tax return, and a completed Affidavit of Support form.
• Once uploaded, your Designated School Official (DSO) will review your application within 5 business days and contact you if additional documentation is needed.
• Once uploaded, your Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) will review your request form within 5 business days and contact you if additional documentation is needed.
• Once your I-20 application is remarked as complete, you will receive your Form I-20 from Lehman College within 5 business days following the Transfer Release Date.

If you are a student currently engaged in OPT, you must resume classes at your transfer-in school (Lehman College) within 5 months of the transfer release date set by the school that recommended OPT or the date the OPT authorization ends, whichever is earlier.

Applying for your I-20 to Change your Status

If you are considering applying for a Change of Status in the U.S. now that you have been admitted to an eligible program of study at Lehman College, we recommend you consult with an experienced immigration lawyer first and retain their services if you decide to file the application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). International Student and Scholar Services at Lehman College will not be able to advise you on this process. If you are eligible to apply for a Change of Status to F-1, you may apply for your Form I-20 “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.”

To apply for your Form I-20, you will need to complete the I-20 Application.

• Make sure the application is complete. Submit it and all supporting documents via Liquid Files.
• In preparing your financial documentation, please ensure that all statements have been issued within the last 6 months from the date of application.
• Did you know that you can have multiple financial sponsors? If you will have multiple sponsors, each sponsor must provide: financial documentation in the amount that they will cover, a current employment letter or most recent tax return, and a completed Affidavit of Support form.
• Once uploaded, your Designated School Official (DSO) will review your application within 5 business days and contact you if additional documentation is needed.
• Once your I-20 application is remarked as complete, you will receive your Form I-20 within the next 5 business days.

Once you receive your Form I-20, you will be able to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee and proceed with other filing requirements. Unless your current visa status allows you to study, you will not be able to begin studying until your Change of Status application to F-1 has been approved by USCIS.