F-1 and J-1 students may find their studies at Northwestern interrupted by either transferring to a new institution or withdrawing completely. A student is required to transfer his/her immigration status and record to a new institution, and must contact the IO to process this request. A student who is withdrawing from Northwestern either temporarily or permanently should also notify the IO.

Keep in mind the following when applying for a SEVIS transfer:

• Once a record has been transferred, the IO will not longer have access to it.
• Once a record has been transferred, the transfer cannot be canceled or reversed.

To complete a SEVIS Transfer, a student must access the SEVIS Transfer Form and submit it to the IO.

Further, when applying for a SEVIS Withdrawal, remember the following:

• Once a student has officially withdrawn he/she is not eligible for a grace-period and should leave the U.S. as quickly as possible.
• Students taking a temporary leave of absence from Northwestern should withdraw.
• The Withdrawal form requires a signature from the students' academic advisor.

To complete a SEVIS Withdrawl, students must access the SEVIS Withdrawl Form and submit it to the IO.

These two events are unrelated and a student transferring to a new institution is not required to also submit a SEVIS Withdrawl Form.

Processing Time: Processing times for these requests vary. It is highly recommended that students see an IO advisor for guidance and clarification regarding the transfer and withdrawal processes.