Transfer Out Request for International Students 

Overview and Eligibility 

To transfer to another institution, you must maintain valid F-1 or J-1 status while at Penn. Consult an ISSS Advisor before initiating a transfer to discuss timing and eligibility. 

• Transfer Out Release Date: After this date, Penn cannot access your SEVIS record. You must report to the new institution. 
• Work Eligibility: Post-release, you cannot work on-campus at Penn or continue Post-Completion OPT (F-1) or Academic Training (J-1). 

F-1 Students: 

• Apply to transfer within 60 days of completing your program or post-completion OPT.  
• You must start classes at the new institution in the next available term which must be within five months of your last attendance at Penn or your OPT/EAD end date. 

J-1 Students: 

• Apply before your last day at Penn or post-completion AT. 
• There cannot be any gaps between the end date of one J program and the start date of the program you are transferring to.   
• There are regulatory restrictions in changing the degree level or field of study. Discuss with an ISSS Advisor well in advance any possible changes to your academic plans. 

If you are ineligible to transfer your SEVIS record, you will need to request a new SEVIS record from the new institution. This will require you to leave and reenter the U.S. with the new I-20/DS-2019 and consult an advisor at the new institution for travel and re-entry instructions. 

How to Apply 

Complete the request in iPenn. Log in with your Pennkey and select “Transfer Out Request” under Student Services in the left menu.