SEVIS Transfer

If you are coming to URI from another academic institution in the United States, transferring your existing SEVIS database record will move your sponsorship from that institution to the University of Rhode Island.

You are considered a SEVIS transfer student if you are:

  • currently enrolled at another U.S.  high school school, college, or university;
  • on Optional Practical Training or Academic Training;
  • or are studying in an English as a Second Language (ESL) program before coming to the University of Rhode Island.

When transferring a SEVIS record to URI, follow the steps below:

  • To request a transfer of your SEVIS file to the University of Rhode Island, complete Part I of the URI transfer-in request and submit it to the international office at your current school. Your current school’s international student advisor must e-mail the completed form to our office and set a release date for the record.
  • Submit financial documents, biographical passport page, and admission and/or invitation letter to the OISS.

This will enable the University of Rhode Island to access your SEVIS record online and create an updated transfer I-20 or DS-2019 document reflecting your new sponsorship once the record is released.

SEVIS Transfer and Employment Authorization

  • You are eligible to transfer your SEVIS record to URI as long as your classes here start within five months of the end date of your current program or OPT end date.
  • If you are finishing OPT, you can transfer your SEVIS record during the 60 day grace period following OPT.
  • If your record is transferred before the end date of your OPT, your OPT will end on the transfer date and you will no longer be able to work using your OPT.
  • If you are finishing Academic Training, you can transfer your SEVIS record during the 30 day grace period following AT to begin a new academic program.

You are eligible for on-campus employment at URI once you receive your I-20 or DS-2019 from our office.

E-mail issoff@etal.uri.edu with any questions about the SEVIS transfer process.

All SEVIS transfer research scholars and professors must report to the OISS as soon as they reach the Kingston campus.