What is the ”SEVIS Fee Transfer”?

The SEVIS Fee Transfer is a procedure that, in certain situations, allows the SEVIS Fee amount – a mandatory fee to maintain your record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) – to be ”transferred” in case of a change in institution or study program.

In other words, if you have already paid this fee and later decide to change schools or programs while maintaining the same F status, you may, in some cases, have your SEVIS record transferred to the new institution without needing to pay the fee again.

In the context of F visas, this transfer occurs when the change complies with the rules established by SEVIS itself and the United States Department of Homeland Security. The conditions for the procedure to be accepted vary, and it is essential that the student contacts the new institution to understand how to proceed correctly.

This communication between the school that is closing your record and the new institution is essential to preserve your history in the system and avoid future problems. Remember that following immigration laws and guidelines is crucial. Always check the official information available on U.S. government agency websites and, if in doubt, seek assistance from professionals or consultancies specialized in the immigration area.

Beware of easy promises or marketing campaigns that guarantee magical results, as the process must follow very specific rules and any deviation can compromise your immigration status. Each case may have its particularities, so staying updated with reliable sources and maintaining close contact with the educational institution is fundamental for a smooth process in compliance with current legislation.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.