TRANSFER OUT FROM BAY ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY

Students who wish to transfer their immigration status (SEVIS record) from Bay Atlantic University (BAU) to another institution in the United States before completing graduation requirements must follow the following guidelines:

Instructions to Request a Transfer Out:

1. Contact the Registrar’s Office to initiate the transfer-out process.
2. Obtain the Transfer-Out Form from the Registrar’s Office or via BAU HUB.
3. Complete all requirements outlined in the Transfer-Out Form.
4. Gather signatures from all relevant departments as indicated on the form.
5. Return the completed and signed Transfer-Out Form to the Registrar’s Office.

The completed and signed Transfer-Out Form must first be submitted to the Registrar. If the student is on an F-1 visa, the form will then be directed to the DSO (Designated School Official). The student is responsible for settling any remaining payments. If the student withdraws from the enrolled program to transfer to another institution, they are required to repay any tuition assistance or scholarship amounts received from BAU for the credits completed so that the funds can be reallocated to other students. A non-refundable $2,000 Administrative Services fee applies to all F-1 visa students who withdraw from BAU to transfer to a different institution.

Important: Admission to a new school does not automatically allow an international student in F-1 status to begin studying full-time at the new school. Before starting full-time studies at the new school, the student must request that BAU transfer/release their SEVIS I-20 record to the new institution. This process is referred to as a “SEVIS transfer” (which is different from an academic transfer). The U.S. government considers the following as possible “SEVIS transfer” situations:

• Completing a program at one school and starting a new program at a different school.
• Currently studying at one school and deciding to transfer to another school before completing the program.
• Currently enrolled in OPT and starting a new program of study at a different school.

Important: Transferring your SEVIS record does not automatically terminate your academic status at BAU. You must notify your academic advisor and submit all necessary forms to officially terminate your status. Tuition and fees will continue to accrue until this process is completed.

 

Eligibility for a SEVIS Record Transfer

• You must currently have F-1 status.
• You must have received an offer of admission from the new school.
• If you have already graduated or completed OPT, you must still be within your 60-day grace period.
• The start of classes at your new school must be within 5 months of one of the following:
  • Your academic program completion date at BAU (if graduating from BAU)
  • The last day of the semester or session at BAU (if not graduating from BAU)
  • The end date of your OPT authorization
  • The requested SEVIS I-20 transfer/release date if you are not completing an OPT period

If the period between F-1 activities exceeds 5 months, your SEVIS record is not eligible for transfer. Your new school must issue a new initial I-20 with a new SEVIS number.

 

How to choose a SEVIS I-20 Transfer/Release Date

The transfer release date is the date when access to the student’s SEVIS record will shift from the DSO at the transfer-out school (BAU) to the DSO at the transfer-in school. According to 8 CFR 214.2 (f)(8)(ii)(C), the transfer release date is either “the current semester or session completion date, or the date of expected transfer if earlier than the established academic cycle.” (See https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/sevis-helphub/student-records/transfers/managetransfer-of-f-1-sevis-record)

For currently enrolled students (not graduating):
Transfer requests can be processed at the end of an academic semester or session, or before the beginning of the new semester or session. Transfers during an ongoing academic semester or session are generally not permitted, except under special circumstances. The student must continue studying at BAU until the Transfer Release Date to complete the remainder of the semester or session.

For graduating students (in their final academic term):
Transfers can be processed within the 60-day grace period for F-1 visa holders after completing their program.

For students on active Post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT Extension:
Transfers may be processed at any time, even during the 60-day grace period following the end of OPT.

Important: Students transferring during their OPT period must stop employment at least one day before the chosen transfer-out date. Their OPT status will automatically terminate on the transfer-out date in the SEVIS system.

 

General Guideline:

• Allow the DSO ten (10) business days for processing after you submit your completed and signed Transfer Out Form.
• The DSO cannot set a past date for the SEVIS I-20 transfer/release date.
• The DSO at the transfer-out school (BAU) sets the Transfer Release Date in SEVIS.
• If you are discontinuing studies at BAU without completing your degree, the recommended transfer date is one day after the end of finals in your current semester at BAU, according to the academic calendar.
• International students on an F1 visa should consult the DSO for further requirements.

The university’s refund policy applies to determine if the student still owes money to BAU.

 

Reenrolling at BAU after transferring out

If a student who has transferred out from BAU wishes to reenroll to the University, the student must fill out the Reenrollment Form and submit it to the Admission Office.