How to Transfer Immigration Sponsorship to Temple University

Steps for F-1 Visa Holders:

1. First, you must be officially admitted to Temple University or the Intensive English Language Program
2. Apply for an I-20 from Temple University.
3. Contact the International Student Advisor at your current school. Ask to have your SEVIS record released to Temple University.

• Temple University                                                       PHI214F00504000 
• Temple University Ambler                                         PHI214F00504001 
• Temple University Center City                                  PHI214F00504006 
• Temple University Fort Washington                           PHI214F00504005 
• Temple University Harrisburg                                    PHI214F00504004 
• Temple University Health Sciences Center                PHI214F00504002
• Temple University School of Podiatric Me                 PHI214F00504003 

Follow any instructions you are given to request that your SEVIS record be transferred to Temple University.

If your school requires a "transfer recommendation form" to release your SEVIS record to Temple University. Not all schools require this form. If your school doesn't request it, don't submit it. You may download it Here.

1. You and the international student advisor should decide on the release date of your SEVIS record. You should consider:
   • Whether or not you want to work on their campus during the summer
   • Whether or not you are authorized for OPT
   • Whether or not you are authorized for CPT
   • Whether or not you want to travel during the summer
2. Your I-20 will be emailed to you once ISSS has a complete application and the SEVIS release date has passed.

Steps for New F-1 Visa Holders Abroad with an I-20 From Another School:

Occasionally, an F-1 International Student will apply to multiple schools while abroad, get an I-20 from one school, but then decide to go to a different school before entering the US. The "instructions to students" on page 3 of Form I-20 give the following guidance on the relationship of the school name on the F-1 visa to the student's initial entry to the United States using that visa:

REPORT TO SCHOOL NAMED ON YOUR FORM I-20 AND VISA. Upon your first entry to the United States, you must report to the DSO at the school named on your Form I-20 and your F-1 visa (unless you are exempt from visa requirements). If you decide to attend another school before you enter the United States, you must present a Form I-20 from the new school to a U.S. consular officer for a new F-1 visa that names the new school. Failure to enroll in the school, by the program start date on your Form I-20 may result in the loss of your student status and subject you to deportation.

Therefore, if you are in this situation, you will need to request a Form I-20 from Temple. If you have already paid the SEVIS fee, you can request to have the fee transferred from the old I-20 to the new I-20. 

Steps for Individuals in J-1 status

1. If you currently hold J-1 Exchange visitor status, you must request that your SEVIS record be transferred before the expiration date of your current form DS-2019. the SEVIS record will turn to an "inactive" status the day after your current form DS-2019 expires.
   • Contact your current school to see what steps you must take on their end to have your SEVIS record transferred to Temple University. Temple University's program number is P-1-02592

   If you travel, you will have to obtain a new entry visa. Note that under Department of State policy, an exchange visitor who travels after transferring J programs needs a new J visa before returning to the United States under the sponsorship of the new program.

2. You must qualify for a form DS-2019 from Temple University within 30 days of the SEVIS Effective Date of Transfer set by your previous school.