Transfer out to Another University

In general, Exchange Visitors in J-1 status under the Research Scholar, Professor, or Short-Term Scholar category may transfer to another university if: 

  • They will be engaged in research and/or teaching in the same subject area at the new institution. 
    • An Exchange Visitor may not change their area of research or teaching.
  • They have sufficient time within the maximum duration of program participation allowed for the Exchange Visitor category. 
    • Exchange Visitors in the research scholar or professor categories are permitted a maximum program duration of five years. For example, if the Exchange Visitor spends three years with one sponsor, they will have only two years of eligibility remaining with their new sponsoring institution.
    • Exchange Visitors in the short-term scholar category are permitted a maximum program duration of six months. For example, if the Exchange Visitor spends three months with one sponsor, they will have only three months of eligibility remaining with their new sponsoring institution.
  • There can be no gap in between Exchange Visitor program dates at the two institutions.
    • Exchange Visitor transfers are "seamless" in that the transfer of sponsorship from one sponsor to the other sponsor takes place immediately. The new sponsor must agree to take over sponsorship the day after the current sponsor agrees to end their sponsorship.
    • The transfer out date must be on or before the end date indicated on the Form DS-2019.
    • Because Exchange Visitor program dates (i.e., the start and end dates) do not always align exactly with actual activities, Exchange Visitors should consult with advisors in the ISSS offices at both institutions in order to determine the best possible transfer date. 
  • Exchange Visitors are responsible for maintaining continuous health insurance coverage during the transfer process. 
  • Exchange Visitors are not eligible to transfer once the U.S. Department of State has recommended a waiver of the 212(e) Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement.

An Exchange Visitor in J-1 status who wishes to transfer to another university in the U.S. should complete the CU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ Transfer Out (Scholar) eform in the MyISSS portal.