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International students make up about 15 percent of Mizzou graduate-student enrollment and more than 5 percent of total student enrollment.

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Home / Come to MU / Faculty, staff and scholars / J-1 scholars / Transfers

Transfers

An exchange visitor in any category may transfer from one program sponsor to another if 1) the purpose of the transfer is to complete the objective for which the scholar was admitted on exchange visitor status and 2) the exchange visitor remains in the same category. The transfer is accomplished through correspondence between the two responsible officers and the J-1 exchange visitor. Any employment under the new sponsor may not commence until the transfer has been approved. The transfer procedures must be completed before terminating employment at the University of Missouri.

International student flashes a peace sign during the International Bazaar.Scholars who want to transfer from or to the University of Missouri must ask their responsible officers to complete the process in the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

Transfers from MU

In order to complete a transfer from MU to a new institution, the J-1 scholar and the responsible officer at the new school must complete the MU J-1 Exchange Visitor (Scholar) Transfer Release Form and return it to the International Center. This form provides the information needed by MU to accomplish the transfer/release in SEVIS. The information provided on the form also confirms that the purpose of the transfer is to complete the objective for which the scholar was admitted in exchange visitor status.

Transfers to MU

In order to complete a transfer to MU from another J-1 sponsoring institution, the MU department must complete a J-1 Exchange Visitor (Scholar) Request Form and submit it to the International Center.

Please note that:

  • The exchange visitor should begin the transfer process at least 60 days prior to the proposed starting date with the new sponsor to allow for processing of paperwork.
  • Scholars are not allowed to change categories (from research scholar to student, for example) through the process of transfer. Generally, changes of category can be accomplished only through a process of departing the United States and applying for a new visa to enter under the new category. Before pursuing this option, please make an appointment with an adviser at the MU International Center to discuss the significant risks involved.