Transfer Your SEVIS Record (I-20) To Sacramento State

If you are currently in F-1 status at another institution, you will need to transfer your SEVIS record to Sac State. It is important you work closely with your current International Student Advisor (DSO) to maintain your status and transfer your record prior to the end of your 60 day grace period.

SEVIS Transfer Deadlines:

Fall Admission: August 10

Spring Admission: January 10

Failure to have your SEVIS record transferred before the deadline will result in loss of your legal status in the United States.

Procedures to transfer your SEVIS record to Sacramento State:

1. Receive admission to Sacramento State
2. Submit your bank statement, Financial Affidavit, and copy of your passport to intlinfo@csus.edu. Financial statements must meet requirements posted on under Application Requirements.
3. Notify your current International Student Advisor or International Student Services Office that you intend to transfer your SEVIS record to Sac State. Sacramento State does not require a transfer-in form. Provide your current institution with:
   1. A copy of your Sac State Admission Letter
   2. Your requested SEVIS release date
   3. California State University, Sacramento's School Code: SFR214F00634000
4. Your current institution will release your SEVIS record to Sacramento State. Please be sure you transfer your record before the end of your 60 day grace and at least two weeks before instruction begins at Sacramento State.
5. After receiving your record IPGE will issue a "Transfer Pending" I-20 to you via email. If you have plans to travel outside of the country before you begin your studies at Sac State, please contact IPGE to receive your I-20 before re-entry to the U.S. After you attend orientation, register in classes, and report your U.S. address, U.S. phone number and email, you will receive a "Continued Attendance" I-20.

Apply for a F-1 or J-1 Student Visa

If you are outside the United States and have received an Initial I-20 (or are transferring and are outside the U.S. with an expired visa), you must apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa to enter the U.S.

• F-1 Visa: For degree-seeking students only. If you receive an I-20, you must interview for an F-1 Visa
• J-1 Visa: For non-degree and exchange students only. If you receive a DS-2019, you must interview for a J-1 visa.

As soon as you receive your I-20 or DS-2019, schedule your visa appointment at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Visa Application Steps:

1. Contact your local US Consulate or Embassy to obtain F-1 international student visa application procedures.
2. Pay the SEVIS fee online. You must bring the receipt of fee payment with you to the interview. If you have lost the receipt, the Visa Officer should be able to view your payment history in his or her SEVIS database. If you are transferring your active SEVIS record you do not need to re-pay this fee.
3. Complete Form DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application. After you have completed the DS-160, you need to print and keep the DS-160 barcode page. (You will not need to print the full application). Visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for additional country-specific instructions.
4. Pay the Visa Application Fee by following the instructions on your local US embassy or consulate’s website.
5. Prepare Your Interview Documents
   • A passport valid for at least six months
   • Form I-20 or DS 2019 (sign the form as appropriate)
   • School admission letter
   • Completed visa applications (DS-156, DS-158, and, if applicable, DS-157)
   • Two 2x2 photographs that adhere to the Department of State Requirements.
   • A receipt for the visa application fee
   • A receipt for the SEVIS fee. If you have not received an official receipt in the mail showing payment and you paid the fee electronically, the US embassy or consulate will accept the temporary receipt you printed from your computer. If you do not have a receipt, the consulate may be able to see your payment electronically if your fee payment was processed at least 3 business days before your interview.
   • Financial evidence that shows you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period you intend to study.
   • Any information that proves that you will return to your home country after finishing your studies in the US. This may include proof of property, family, or other ties to your community.

Visa Procedures for Canadian Citizens

Citizens of Canada do not have to apply for an F1 or J-1 visa at a US Consulate or US Embassy. Instead, their immigration documents are reviewed at a US Port of Entry by an Immigration Officer. If successful, the US Immigration Officer will stamp the student’s passport with “F1” or "J1" and the student will be allowed to enter the US in F-1 or J-1 status. Students must present the following documents to the CBP officer upon requesting entry: I-20 or DS-2019, proof that the SEVIS fee has been paid, proof of ability to pay for school fees, and proof of ties to Canada. For details, please see the US Embassy Site.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I arrive late? Newly admitted students are expected to arrive at Sac State by the program start date on their I-20 or DS-2019. The university does not have flexibility or control regarding entry dates as U.S. CBP is instructed to admit students during the 30 day period specified on their Form I-20 or DS-2019. Attempted entry after this date can trigger difficulties with CBP or denied entry. If students are unable to adhere to the above timeline, they are encouraged to apply for a future intake. The university cannot provide extension letters or Form I-20s with deferred start dates.
• What will I do at orientation? You will complete a document check-in, learn about the campus and community resources, get your OneCard, get connected to housing, banks, and cell phone providers, get academic advising, learn about immigration regulations, sign up for programming activities, and more.
• What else can I do to prepare? Check out all the information listed on this page as well as your New International Hornet Admit Packet linked on your admit letter. Also, don’t forget to set up your SacLink Account.
• Can I see some pictures so I know what orientation is like? Yes! Check out some photos from previous orientations and events here.
• Does International Student Orientation cost anything? Yes, there is a $75 fee for orientation.
• Do I need to register for orientation in advance? No registration is required.
• Is attending orientation required? Yes! It is a requirement that you attend orientation. Students who do not attend orientation risk inability to register for classes and adverse immigration consequences.
• Is lunch provided? Yes!
• What do I do if I am living on campus and my move in date is after International Student Orientation? Since you are arriving before the regular residence hall move in date, you will need to complete the online form to arrive early and pay additional fees. You will need to contact University Housing Services to request to arrive early.

Immigration Resources for Newly Admitted Students

• Visa Interview Tips: Interviews are quick and conducted in English. Remain calm and be honest about everything you state in your visa application and say in your interview.
• How to Navigate the U.S. Immigration System: Pre-Arrival, Arrival, While in the U.S., and Departure
• Travel.State.Gov: Information about visa appointment wait times, how to apply for a visa, bringing dependents to the US, fees, and required documentation.
• Study in the States: For prospective applicants and newly admitted students.
• International Student Lifecycle: Information on tasks you will need to prepare to study in the United States, enter the United States, use your student benefits, and what to do after you complete your program.