International transfer students are students currently studying at another US institution in valid F-1/J-1 status, who will be transferring to USC. The Graduate Admissions (GA) Office issues the USC transfer I-20/DS-2019 to international transfer students. For questions regarding the USC transfer I-20/DS-2019, please contact the the GA Office.

In order to complete the immigration transfer process to USC, it is imperative that the student meets the requirements below to maintain legal status in the US.  

F-1 Students

  • Student’s current institution must release the SEVIS record to USC
  • This will enable GA to issue a USC “transfer pending” I-20
  • Please make sure that the transfer I-20 issued by USC indicates the notation “transfer pending from (name of previous institution)” in line #3 of page 1

J-1 Students

  • J-1 students who have been granted a “D/S” (duration of status) at the Port of Entry must take the DS-2019 to the J-1 Responsible Officer at their current school
  • Student’s current J-1 sponsor must release the SEVIS records to USC so a new USC DS-2019 can be issued from the GA office

International Travel and Re-entry Prior to Beginning Studies at USC

After the USC transfer pending I-20/DS-2019 has been issued based upon the procedures indicated above, students who plan on traveling outside the US prior to the start of the first semester at USC must remember the following:

  • It is NOT necessary to visit the US embassy/consulate for a new F-1/J-1 visa unless the current F-1/J-1 student visa in the passport has expired or will expire before date of re-entry to the US
  • Re-entry to the US will require students to show the following documents at the Port of Entry:
    • Passport (valid at least 6 months into the future)
    • Valid F-1/J-1 student visa in passport
    • USC transfer pending I-20/DS-2019
    • SEVIS I-901 Fee Payment Receipt