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Transferring to USC — USC OIS

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International transfer students are those currently enrolled at another U.S. institution in valid F-1 or J-1 status who plan to transfer to USC.

USC’s Graduate Admission office issues the USC transfer Form I-20 or DS-2019 to international transfer students. For questions about receiving these forms, please contact the USC Graduate Admission office.

Additionally, to complete the immigration transfer process to USC, the student must meet the following requirements to maintain legal status in the United States.

To complete the immigration transfer process as an F-1 student:

  • The student’s current institution must release the SEVIS record to USC. This will enable the USC Graduate Admission office to issue a USC “Transfer Pending” Form I-20.
  • Please make sure that the transfer Form I-20 issued by USC indicates the notation “Transfer Pending – [name of previous institution]” under “Form Issue Reason” on page 1.

To complete the immigration transfer process as a J-1 student:

  • J-1 students who have been granted a “D/S” (duration of status) at the U.S. Port of Entry must take the Form DS-2019 to the J-1 Responsible Officer at their current school.
  • The student’s current J-1 sponsor must release the SEVIS record to USC so that the USC Graduate Admission office can issue a new USC Form DS-2019.

After the USC “Transfer Pending” Form I-20 or DS-2019 has been issued, students who plan on traveling outside of the United States before the start of the first semester at USC must remember the following:

  • It is not necessary to visit the U.S. embassy or consulate for a new F-1 or J-1 visa unless the current student visa in the passport has expired or will expire before the date of reentry to the United States.
  • Reentry to the United States will require students to show the following documents at the U.S. Port of Entry:
    • Passport valid for at least six months into the future
    • Valid F-1 or J-1 student visa in passport
    • USC transfer pending Form I-20 or DS-2019
    • SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
    • Financial documents consistent with Form I-20 or DS-2019
Requirements for Reentry
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