Scholar Transfers from/to MU

An exchange visitor in any category may transfer from one program sponsor to another if the purpose of the transfer is to complete the objective for which he or she was admitted to exchange visitor status and if 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 and transfer procedures must be completed before terminating employment at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Scholars wishing to transfer from/to the University of MO-Columbia need their responsible officers to complete a process in USCIS 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 Scholar Release Form (.pdf Word) and return it to International Student Scholar and Services in the International Center. This form provides the information needed by the responsible officer at 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 Request Form (.pdf Word) and submit it to International Student Scholar and Services in 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. Changes of category can only be accomplished generally through a process of departing the US and applying for a new visa to enter under the new category. Before pursuing this option, please make an appointment with an advisor at the MU International Center. There are significant risks involved.