Exchange visitors may transfer to another institution to continue their program as long as they have remaining time left on their immigration document as well as the new program is in line with the original purpose of their program. Please follow the steps below to complete the transfer out process.
J-1 Exchange Visitor Transfer-Out
If you are currently sponsored by our institution and plan to continue your J-1 program at another U.S. sponsor or academic institution, this page outlines the process for transferring your SEVIS record. A transfer must be coordinated in advance to ensure uninterrupted legal status and full compliance with U.S. Department of State regulations. Please review the information provided carefully and consult with your international office or program sponsor before initiating a transfer request.
Transfer Process for Exchange Visitors
Steps for J-1 Exchange Visitor: Transferring Out
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1. Consult your sponsor and host department
Upon receiving an offer from another institution, meet with your sponsor and host department to notify them of your intent to transfer. You must have their approval to move forward in this process.
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2. Notify Texas State’s International Office
- Email internationalscholars@txstate.edu to inform them of your intent to transfer to a new institution.
- Include the name of the new institution, their J-1 Responsible Officer (RO) contact, and your proposed transfer date.
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3. Coordinate Transfer Release Date
- Choose a SEVIS “Transfer Release Date” in consultation with your new host institution and Texas State.
- The release date should fall after your activities at Texas State end and before your new program begins.
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4. Submit Transfer-Out Request Form
Complete Texas State’s J-1 Scholar Transfer-Out Request Form, which must be approved by your current Texas State host department and include details about your new program.
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5. New DS-2019 Issued by New Institution
After the release date, your new institution will issue a new DS-2019 for your continued participation under the same SEVIS ID.
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6. Complete Check-In at New Institution
Follow your new institution’s check-in and reporting procedures as a J-1 transfer-in scholar.
Steps for TXST Sponsor: Transfer Out Exchange Visitor
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1. Notification from J-1 Exchange Visitor
Upon receiving a notice from the exchange visitor on his/her intent to transfer out from TXST, please consult with the Faculty Academic & Resources at Texas State University, as well as internal department members, to seek approval and make arrangements for this transfer out student.
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2. The ISSS Office updates DS-2019
The ISSS Office will work with the new institution to select a SEVIS “Transfer Release Date” in consultation with the visitor and their new host institution. The release date will fall after the visitor's duties at Texas State end and before their new program begins.
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3. Complete a Section of the Transfer-Out Request Form
The J-1 Exchange Visitor will work with you to submit a Transfer-Out Request form in which the TXST Sponsor will have to sign a section designated to the individual sponsoring the J-1 Exchange Visitor.
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4. Contact Human Resources
Contact HR to ensure that the Exchange Visitor's personnel file is properly closed out in regard to payroll and benefits.