A J-1 Exchange Visitor may change employers or schools, which is referred to as a “transfer.” They may transfer from one designated Exchange Visitor program to another designated program provided the J-1 time does not exceed the maximum permitted by their J-1 category (e.g. a Research Scholar J-1 category has 5 years.) Use this request to request your J-1 SEVIS record be released by Yale to your new institution.
When to Make This Request
The J-1 SEVIS transfer-out process is initiated by the J-1 scholar. Once you've confirmed your transfer plans, including transfer eligibility approval by your new institution, you can begin the process to request your J-1 SEVIS record to be released by Yale to your new institution.
Speak with Your OISS Adviser
J-1 scholars intending to transfer to another program should discuss their plans with their OISS adviser, as well as with the international office (not just the hiring department) of the new school or employer. The transfer is processed through an update in the J-1 scholar's SEVIS record and must be completed prior to the end date as noted on the form DS-2019. There can not be any gap of time between the two programs.
How to Make the Transfer Out Request in MyOISS
Next Steps after Submitting this Request
Once your steps are completed, your current Yale department and new institution will need to complete their parts before OISS can schedule your J-1 program transfer in SEVIS. Once all steps have been completed, Yale OISS will process the transfer request in SEVIS and send email confirmation within 3-4 business days.
Important Note About Travel
Under U.S. Department of State policy, individuals who hold J status who travel internationally after transferring to a new J program will need a new J visa before returning to the United States under the sponsorship of the new program, even if the current J visa is still valid. For this reason we strongly recommend individuals do not travel internationally within the short time frame of the transfer process.
General Information
Read the Leaving Yale page for helpful general information on leaving Yale.
