SEVIS Transfer-In for J-1 Exchange Visitors
J-1 Exchange Visitors coming to Brandeis University from another U.S. school may need to transfer their SEVIS record to Brandeis University. J-1 Exchange Visitors may transfer from one program sponsor to another if the purpose of the transfer is to complete the academic objective for which they were admitted.
The J-1 transfer process requires careful coordination between several different parties, including the current sponsor, the new sponsor, and the individual scholar.
J-1 Exchange Visitor transfers for scholars may be possible if:
- The scholar will be engaged in research and/or teaching in the same subject area across both institutions. A change in the area of research or teaching is usually not permitted.
- The scholar has sufficient time within the maximum duration of program participation allowed for the J-1 category.
- J-1 Research scholars and Professors are permitted a maximum program duration of five years.
Example: If a J-1 Scholar spends three years with one sponsor, they will have only two years of eligibility remaining with their new sponsor. If the J-1 Scholar has already spent five years with their current sponsor, they will be ineligible to transfer.
- There is no gap between the end date of the current J-1 program and the start date of the new J-1 program. The new J-1 program sponsor must agree to take over the scholar’s J-1 sponsorship the day after the current sponsor agrees to end their sponsorship. The scholar should consult with international scholar advisors at both institutions in order to identify the J-1 transfer release date.
- The J-1 scholar will have adequate J-1 health insurance coverage across both institutions and during the transfer process.
- The J-1 scholar has not applied for or obtained a waiver of the Exchange Visitor Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement (212e)
SEVIS J-1 Scholar Transfer-In Process
If you plan to transfer to Brandeis, the ISSO will need to:
- Verify that your academic objective remains unchanged
- Review a copy of your Form DS-2019
- Review your appointment letter
- Work with your current program sponsor to coordinate the transfer
- Determine if you have initiated a waiver of the Exchange Visitor Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement (212e), as this may impact your transfer eligibility
- If the J-1 SEVIS transfer is approved the new program sponsor will issue a new Form DS-2019 to reflect details about the scholar's activity at the new institution. There will be no need for the Scholar to leave the U.S. to obtain a new visa.