Important Update (Effective September 15, 2026): New DHS regulations place restrictions on when F-1 students may transfer schools:
- Undergraduate students must complete their first full academic year (fall and spring semesters) at their initial school before transferring, unless the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) authorizes an exception for extenuating circumstances.
- Graduate students generally may not transfer to another school at any point during their program of study, except in limited circumstances approved by SEVP for extenuating circumstances (such as school closure).
- These restrictions apply regardless of direction — whether you are transferring out of ETSU to another school or transferring into ETSU from another school.
If you believe your situation may qualify for an SEVP exception, please contact International Enrollment and Services before submitting a transfer request, so we can advise you on the process.If you have attended East Tennessee State University for a semester or more and plan to transfer to another institution in the U.S., you must request that ETSU releases your SEVIS record to this new institution.
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Transferring From ETSU
If you have attended East Tennessee State University and plan to transfer to another institution in the U.S., you must request that ETSU release your SEVIS record to your new institution.
Before submitting a transfer request, please confirm your eligibility:
- If you are an undergraduate student who has not yet completed your first full academic year at ETSU, you are not eligible to transfer unless SEVP has approved an exception for your situation.
- If you are a graduate student, you are generally not eligible to transfer at any point in your program unless SEVP has approved an exception.
To request a SEVIS release, please complete the SEVIS Release Form. If you have any questions, contact the DSO listed on your I-20 or DS-2019.
Our standard processing time for a transfer request is 10 business days (excluding holidays/closures).
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Transferring to ETSU
If you are an F-1 student currently attending another U.S. school and wish to transfer your SEVIS record to ETSU, please note the following:
Eligibility:
- If you are an undergraduate student, you must complete your first full academic year (fall and spring semesters) at your current school before transferring, unless SEVP has approved an exception for extenuating circumstances.
- If you are a graduate student, you are generally not eligible to transfer schools at any point in your program, except where SEVP has approved an exception.
Steps to transfer to ETSU:
- Be admitted to ETSU through the standard admissions process.
- Submit the SEVIS Transfer-In Form to determine your SEVIS transfer eligibility.
- Request that your current school's DSO release your SEVIS record to ETSU, effective
on or after your intended transfer date.
- You must receive approval from the DSO at ETSU before requesting the SEVIS release.
- East Tennessee State University SEVIS School Code: NOL214F10177000
- Complete ETSU's I-20 Request process (see our I-20 & DS-2019 page). As a transfer student, you will be required to upload a copy of your most recent Form I-94 and your current Form I-20 as part of this request.
- Complete Immigration Check-In with International Enrollment and Services once you arrive at ETSU.
If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies as an eligible transfer under the new federal restrictions, please contact your DSO at your current institution before beginning this process.
