Can international students transfer colleges in the U.S.?

I'm an international student and thinking about transferring to another college in the U.S. How does the process work for international students, and are there any special requirements or challenges I should be aware of?

Yes, international students can certainly transfer colleges in the U.S., but there are a few additional steps in the process compared to domestic students. Here's how that might look:

1. College Application: You would need to follow the same process as other transfer students — submit an application along with your college transcript, references, essays, etc.

2. College Acceptance: Upon getting acceptance from your intended transfer university, you'll have to notify your current institution. This is required for transferring your SEVIS record (Student Exchange Visitor Information System), which is crucial for maintaining your F-1 student status.

3. Transferring the SEVIS Record: As an international student, one of your primary concerns would be transferring your SEVIS record from your current institution to your new one. The international student services office at both institutions will help manage this process.

4. Your new school will then issue you a new I-20 form, which you'll need to sign and update with U.S. immigration authorities to maintain your visa status.

5. Financial Aid: One of the challenges international students often face is financial. Not all kinds of financial aid are available to international students, so you'll want to check what options might be available at the target institution. Sometimes, scholarships or grants that were offered by your original institution may not transfer over.

6. Timeline: While transfers can happen at various times, it's often most practical to transfer at the end of a semester or academic year.

Remember that transfer acceptance rates can be lower than first-year acceptance rates, especially at more selective institutions.

Lastly, the process can be a bit complex, so I recommend reaching out to the international student services departments at both your current and prospective schools — they are there to help you navigate these processes. Good luck!