F-1 Transfer Procedures

Please read the instruction below to learn the required procedures for completeing a school transfer for your immigration status.

FOR STUDENTS TRAVELING OUTSIDE THE U.S .:
If you are traveling outside the United States before attending Western Kentucky Unversity (WKU), then you must do the following to ensure that your current F-1 status is not violated.

• Complete WKU Transfer Form, and then WKU will mail you your WKU I-20.
• Present the Western Kentucky University I-20 to the Immigration Officer when you re-enter then U.S.
• Make sure that the officer stamps both copies of your I-20 and returns page 3 to you.
• Bring your Western Kentucky University I-20 and other immigration documents (i.e. Passport and I-94 card) to International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS), 1536 State Street, once you arrive on campus.
• If your visa expires during your travel abroad, be sure to apply for a new visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
• In most cases, you will not be required to apply for a new visa if your current visa has not expired and you have been maintaining full-time student status (even though it has the notation of another school).

FOR STUDENTS REMAINING IN THE U.S. :
If you are not traveling abroad and you need to complete your school transfer within the United States, you must do the following to ensure that you do not interrupt your F-1 student status.

1. Provide ISSS with verification of maintenance of full-time study before transferring. Print the WKU Tranfer Form and have it completed by your current International Student Advisor.

2. Present the following documents to ISSS to complete school transfer. These documents must be submitted to our office no later than 15 days after classes begin.

• Copy (front and back) of your passport and I-94 card
• All I-20's (front and back) from previous schools
• Tranfer form verifiying your full-time status at your previous school

Note : To qualify for this procedure youmust have been a full-time student on a continuous basis at your previous school. If not, you should consult ISSS or the International Student Advisor at your current school about reinstatement procedures.