Congratulations on your admission to UCSB! Welcome to the International Gaucho family! We at OISS are so excited to welcome you and meet you!! 

Who is a "transfer"?

The information on this page is intended for international students who are transferring their immigration record to UCSB from another school in the U.S. 

When an international student changes their enrollment from another SEVIS-approved school in the U.S. to UCSB, it is called a "transfer." They are transferring out from School A (the school you attended in the U.S.), and transferring in to School B (in this case, it's UCSB.)

As an international student, the process of transferring means several things:

  • Transferring your enrollment
  • Transferring your academic units and credits
  • Transferring your SEVIS record 

In order to maintain your SEVIS status, you must first request a Transfer Out from the international advisor at your previous school. Then, you must request a Transfer In from UCSB OISS so that your immigration records are transferred to UCSB from your previous school.

School Transfer vs. SEVIS Transfer

It's important to know that the word "transfer" can mean different things for an international student. For domestic students, "transfer" simply means changing enrollment from one school to another. This is why you might meet domestic students who also transferred in, such as from a community college to UCSB.

For international students, "transfer" also means that your SEVIS record (international student immigration record) is being transferred from one school to another. When done successfully, you'll have transferred your enrollment and your SEVIS record between two schools. 

If you are speaking with an advisor at either school and they use the word "transfer," you should think about what they mean. Academic advisors will typically be referring to the transfer of your enrollment and academic history (transcripts, credits, units, etc.) Immigration advisors will typically be referring to your SEVIS immigration transfer. Don't hesitate to ask the person helping you if you feel unsure.

What To Do Next...

Now that you’ve been admitted, be sure to follow UCSB Admissions’ Steps to Enrollment, including submitting your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) and activating your official UCSB email.

Once you set up your UCSB email (link with instructions below), you will receive a welcome email from OISS. In this email, you'll receive instruction to log onto UCSBGlobal to request your immigration documents. UCSBGlobal is a platform used by OISS to collect mandatory information and documents.

Note: Your welcome email from OISS will go out two quarters prior to your quarter of admission. For example, if you were admitted to begin your studies at UCSB in the Fall quarter, then you will receive your first email from OISS one the preceding Spring quarter begins. If you do NOT receive your OISS welcome email, please try logging into UCSBGlobal using your UCSB Net ID and password and follow the instructions on this page.

Throughout your time at UCSB, be sure to always open any emails from OISS. Your UCSB email is the primary way OISS communicates any important immigration instructions, announcements, and updates.

What do I need to do before I arrive at UCSB?

I need to...

  1. Follow UCSB’s Steps to Enrollment
    (Statement of Intent to Register and activate UCSB email - put 0000 for last four digits of SSN)
  2. Communicate with my current school to transfer my SEVIS record to UCSB
  3. Log into UCSBGlobal using your UCSB Net ID and password as a current student. You do not need to request that an account be created for you. If you have just activated your UCSB email, it may take up to one week before you can log into UCSBGlobal. If it has been more than one week since you have activated your UCSB email, please contact oiss@sa.ucsb.edu
  4. Request my transfer I-20 or DS-2019 through UCSBGlobal 
  5. Apply for my F-1 or J-1 student visa (only if needed)
  6. Complete CALI Training

Step 1: Follow UCSB’s Steps to Enrollment

Follow UCSB’s Steps to Enrollment (Statement of Intent to Register and activate UCSB email - put 0000 for last four digits of SSN)

Step 2: Communicate with my current school

Follow my current school's transfer out process. I will provide my current school's international student advisor (DSO) with UCSB's School Code (F-1) or Program Number (J-1) when asked.

UCSB School Code: LOS214F00959000 (to be used by F-1 students)

UCSB Program Number: P-1-03332 (to be used by J-1 students)

OISS does NOT require a transfer-in form. If your record is in active status and you are eligible to transfer, please have your school transfer your record to us.  There is no paperwork or confirmation necessary from your previous school if your record is in Active SEVIS status. 

 

Step 3: Check my UCSB email inbox

Check my UCSB email inbox for any information from OISS or UCSB that pertains to my acceptance and student status.

Always be sure to open any emails from OISS. Your UCSB email is the primary way OISS communicates any important immigration instructions, announcements, and updates.

Step 4: Request my Immigration Document through UCSBGlobal

UCSBGlobal is a platform that international students will use to upload and enter required documents and information, as well as submit any requests to OISS. 

UCSBGlobal is also where you'll upload and enter required documents and information so that OISS can issue your I-20 or DS-2019.  Financial requirements can be found here. 

F-1 Student Instructions

Follow the instructions below to request your transfer I-20. There is a 4-week processing time once your SEVIS record has been successfully transferred to UCSB and all required documents and information have been approved by OISS. If you do not upload all required documents and information at the same time, it will take longer than 4 weeks for you to receive your I-20!

  1. Log into UCSBGlobal using your UCSB Net ID and password
  2. Fill out the Transfer I-20 Request and enter the required information as prompted:
    • Biographical information
    • Quarter you intend to begin your studies at UCSB
    • Home country permanent address
    • Financial information
  3. Upload the required documents as prompted:
  4. If you plan to bring a spouse or child(ren) to the U.S., answer "yes" to the corresponding question. You will then be prompted to submit a "Dependent Information" e-form. Please submit one e-form for each dependent.
  5. Fill out the required information in the "Former School Transfer Information" e-form. 
  6. Enter the required information in the "Emergency Contact Information" e-form.

Remember! As a transfer student you MUST have an I-20 from UCSB in order to start your studies.

J-1 Student Instructions

Follow the instructions below to request your transfer DS-2019. There is a 4-week processing time once all required documents and information have been approved by OISS. If you do not upload all required documents and information at the same time, it will take longer than 4 weeks for you to receive your DS-2019!

  1. Log into UCSBGlobal using your UCSB Net ID and password
  2. Fill out the Transfer DS-2019 Request and enter the required information as prompted:
    • Biographical information
    • Quarter you intend to begin your studies at UCSB
    • Home country permanent address
    • Financial information
    • Health insurance acknowledgement
    • Current school's DSO (international student advisor) contact information
  3. Upload the required documents as prompted:
  4. If you plan to bring a spouse or child(ren) to the U.S., answer "yes" to the corresponding question. You will then be prompted to submit a "Dependent Information" e-form. Please submit one e-form for each dependent.
  5. Fill out the required information in the "Former School Transfer Information" e-form. 
  6. Enter the required information in the "Emergency Contact Information" e-form.

Apply for my F-1 or J-1 Student Visa (if needed)