School transfer

Transfer from High School to College or University

4 CRITICAL I-20 RULES YOU MUST FOLLOW

1️⃣ The College/University Program Should Begin Within the Same Academic Year

Based on PN’s professional experience:

• The transition must demonstrate continuous educational intent

• The College/University program should begin in the nearest available term after high school graduation

⚠️ If there is an extended academic gap (for example, waiting until the following academic year):

• SEVIS may determine that the student failed to maintain student intent

• The student’s visa status may be terminated

👉 PN strongly recommends early academic planning to avoid unnecessary gaps.

2️⃣ The Gap Between Two I-20s Must Not Exceed 150 Days

According to SEVIS regulations:

• The time gap between the end date of the current I-20 and the start date of the new I-20 must not exceed 150 days

📌 If this limit is exceeded:

• The SEVIS record may be automatically terminated

• The student will be considered Out of Status

• The student may be required to depart the U.S. and reapply for a new visa

👉 PN assists students with:

• Timely I-20 transfers

• Monitoring SEVIS timelines to ensure no interruption in status

• The I-20 Grace Period Is Limited to 60 Days

  After completing a program of study:

  • Students are allowed to remain in the U.S. for up to 60 days (Grace Period)

  ⛔ During this period, students:

  • May not study

  • May not work

  • May only use this time to:

    • Transfer schools

    • Obtain a new I-20

    • Prepare to depart the U.S.

  ⚠️ Remaining in the U.S. beyond 60 days without a valid I-20 will result in an immediate status violation.

  4️⃣ Employment Is Strictly Prohibited Without Proper Authorization

  PN emphasizes that:

  • Any unauthorized employment is considered a serious violation of F-status

  🚫 This includes:

  • Cash jobs

  • Online or remote work for external companies

  • Any employment not authorized by the school or USCIS

  ⚠️ Consequences may include:

  • Visa revocation

  • SEVIS termination

  • Serious negative impact on future visa renewals, transfers, or immigration plans

🔔 PN IMMIGRATION & EDUCATION SERVICES LLC – FINAL ADVISORY

The transition from High School to College/University is one of the highest-risk periods for international students.

❗ A single mistake in I-20 timing or SEVIS procedures may result in:

• Loss of lawful status

• Mandatory departure from the U.S.

• Long-term complications for future immigration benefits

📌 PN RECOMMENDS

Do not let minor oversights create major consequences.

👉 Contact PN Immigration & Education Services LLC for:

• I-20 and SEVIS timeline review

• Safe and compliant High School → College/University transition planning

• Professional guidance on maintaining lawful student status

📞 One-on-one consultation tailored to each student’s case
📩 Contact PN early for accurate and secure planning

4 CRITICAL I-20 RULES YOU MUST FOLLOW

PN Immigration & Education Services LLC Advisory for High School Students Transitioning to College/University in the U.S.

At PN Immigration & Education Services LLC, we have supported many international students in the U.S. during their transition from High School to College or University.
In practice, we have found that most visa violations (Out of Status cases) occur during this transition period due to a lack of understanding of I-20 and SEVIS regulations.

Below are the four most critical factors that PN strongly advises students and parents to follow in order to maintain lawful F-status.

1️⃣ The College/University Program Should Begin Within the Same Academic Year

2️⃣ The Gap Between Two I-20s Must Not Exceed 150 Days

3️⃣ The I-20 Grace Period Is Limited to 60 Days

4️⃣ Employment Is Strictly Prohibited Without Proper Authorization

TRANSFER TO ANOTHER INSTITUTION WHILE STUDYING IN THE U.S.

✈️ Transferring Schools While Studying in the U.S.: What You Need to Know

Transferring schools while studying in the U.S. is completely normal, especially if your current school is no longer a good fit. However, because the process directly affects your F-1 visa and SEVIS record, it is critical to follow the correct procedures to avoid status violations.

🔎 When should you consider transferring?

• Your academic program does not align with your goals

• Tuition is too high; you are seeking a more affordable option or scholarships

• The living environment is not suitable (weather, safety, transportation, housing)

• Moving to a higher level of study: ESL → College → University → Master’s

📌 Key rules for maintaining F-1 status

• F-1 students must begin the next program immediately after transferring

• Any gap that interrupts F-1 status is not permitted

🕒 Best timing:
Start the transfer process 30–90 days before the new term to allow sufficient time for admissions, I-20 issuance, and SEVIS transfer.