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Your immigration document is NOT ENCLOSED because you have indicated that you are currently in legal immigration status in
the United States and you MUST take the additional steps before we can issue your Form I-20 or DS-2019.
If you are currently in F-1 VISA STATUS, follow the instructions in BOX A.
If you are currently in J-1 VISA STATUS, follow the instructions in BOX B.
If you are currently in any other visa status, follow the instructions below.
BOX A: F-1 STUDENTS TRANSFERRING TO MSU
If you are in a lawful F-1 status and are completing or leaving your current institution, or authorized for Optional Practical
Training (OPT) and have decided to further your studies at Michigan State University (MSU), then you must complete the F-1
transfer process. The transfer process is initiated by your current institution and is completed by MSU.
ELIGIBILITY
• Student must be maintaining legal F-1 status
• Student must notify MSU of intention to transfer (see Transfer-In Form
http://oiss.isp.msu.edu/documents/students/transfer_in.pdf )
• You must transfer to MSU in the semester admitted. If you are unable to attend in the semester admitted, contact OISS.
TRANSFER PROCESS
1. Request the transfer of your SEVIS record from your current institution to MSU (Program # DET214F00086000).
2. Complete the MSU Transfer-In Form (http://oiss.isp.msu.edu/documents/students/transfer_in.pdf )
3. MSU will issue a “Transfer Pending” Form I-20 after your current institution has released your record in SEVIS.
4. If you are outside the U.S., then you must enter the U.S. with your “Transfer Pending” Form I-20, along with your valid
Passport, and valid U.S. Visa.
5. Transfer students must report to OISS within 15 days of the program start date to complete their SEVIS record check-in.
6. Once checked-in, OISS will notify you via your MSU email that your “Continued Attendance” Form I-20 has been
processed and must be picked up with 1 week of receiving the email.
NOTE: Transferring your academic record and immigration record are two different procedures. Contact the Office of
Admissions with questions regarding academic credit transfers.
TRAVEL and TRANSFER
If you intend to travel outside the United States after you have transferred out of your current institution and before you begin
your studies at MSU, you must re-enter the Unites States on your “Transfer Pending” Form I-20 issued by MSU. When your
“Transfer Pending” Form I-20 is ready, OISS will notify you via your MSU email with detailed instructions on mailing your I-20.
BOX B: J-1 STUDENTS TRANSFERRING TO MSU
J-1 students needing to transfer to Michigan State University (MSU), please contact OISS. J-1’s intending to travel outside the
U.S. please inform OISS as soon as possible.
NOTE: J-1 Scholars in the Researcher category must apply for a student visa to pursue a degree at MSU, please consult OISS.
All new international students are required to check-in with OISS prior to the start of their first semester at MSU. The
check-in process happens during the International Student Orientation Program. Please see dates and times on the OISS website:
www.oiss.msu.edu/students_orientation.php.
CHANGE OF STATUS
If your visa type is not currently F-1 or J-1 and you are requesting Form I-20 or a DS-2019, you will need to change your visa
status. Remember that obtaining the Form I-20 or DS-2019 is only the first step in this process; further action is required
to become an F-1 or a J-1 student.
To obtain F-1 or J-1 status, you must both leave the U.S. with the MSU I-20 or DS-2019 and re-enter after obtaining the
required VISA Stamp at a U.S. Consulate OUTSIDE the U.S. OR apply within the U.S. for a change of status, which is a lengthy
process.
