Transferring Your SEVIS Record to Columbia (F-1 Student)
Summer Session Only
You do not need to transfer your SEVIS record to study at Columbia during your summer vacation if you will return to your current school in the fall.
Eligibility
You are eligible to transfer your SEVIS record if :
Transfer Date
SEVIS School Code
It is important that your SEVIS record is released to the correct Columbia ISSO Campus.
Columbia University SEVIS School Codes:
- ISSO Morningside: NYC214F00186000
- ISSO CU Medical Center: NYC214F00186002
Not sure of the correct Campus? Check our campus school list.
How to Transfer
Contact your current international student adviser
- Determine your transfer date
- Provide them with the correct ISSO campus SEVIS school code
- Provide them with a copy of your Columbia acceptance letter
Apply for an I-20
Follow the application instructions to apply for your I-20.
To issue your Columbia I-20:
- Your application must be complete
- Your SEVIS record must be transferred to Columbia
The deadline to submit a complete application is no more than 15 days after your program begins.
Submit your SEVIS Report Form
You must submit your SEVIS report form no later than 15 days after your program begins.
This step is necessary to complete your transfer and activate your SEVIS record.
Travel Information
If you have an unexpired visa in your passport, you do not need to apply for a new visa. You may use the visa you have, even though the previous school's name is on it.
If you have an expired visa and are traveling outside of the U.S., you will need to apply for a new visa, but you are not required to pay the SEVIS fee again.
If you plan to travel abroad after your transfer date, you must return to the U.S. with:
- I-20 issued by Columbia University
- Unexpired visa
- Unexpired passport
You can return to the U.S. with your Columbia I-20 at any time before your program begins.
Transfer students are not required to depart the U.S. in between programs. You may remain in the U.S. even if your F-1 visa is expired as long as you have applied for your Columbia I-20.
For more information about traveling, visit Documents Needed to Travel page.