Admission Transfer From MBA To MS In Comp. Sci. - Please Reply !!!

Q: * I am on F1 VISA for University A in MB

A: * I can get I-20 for Univ B in Comp. Sci. * I have not reported Univ A as yet, but have come on F1 of that Univ. * I want to join Univ B instead of A without even joining Univ A and start studying in Univ B from coming Fall. Questions. Q: Can I join Univ B and notify Univ A that I donot want to join them ? Q: Do I have to contact INS for any legal formalities ?

A:First, do not depend on advice from other students, or even from me. Schools handle this situation in various ways. Also, the laws have changed. For you to remain in valid nonimmigrant status, either (1) a transfer from Univ A to Univ B must be effected, or (2) you must undergo reinstatement, using the I-20 from Univ B. Of course, the transfer is preferable. A possible third alternative would be for you to leave the U.S. and enter again showing Univ B's I-20. You should meet, or at least speak, with an F-1 counselor at the international office of Univ A and describe the situation. If UCLA were Univ A in this situation, UCLA would then send the required notice to Univ B that you had reported to the school whose I-20 you used to obtain F-1 status. (Some schools require you to actually enroll, to be considered to haved "reported" to the school.) If a person does not bother to report to UCLA, UCLA generally does not send the required notice, thus (probably) reducing the person's options to reinstatement only. With the required notice from Univ A, Univ B can effect a transfer. The transfer must be done before the 45th day of classes. It is a problem. The I-20 that has been stamped D/S by the INS is the one from School

A: If school B issues him a new I-20, that

one will not get stamped. The school cannot contact the INS and report a new I-20 issued. They can contact the INS and report a school transfer (that only works if he has attended school A) or they can file for reinstatement for the student. You do have to attend the school that issued the I-20 you used to enter the country. Your paperwork was handled incorrectly and could cost you big time when and if you go to adjust your status to Permanent Resident. Sure, the INS might not notice but why give someone advice that can backfire. You can't go wrong by following the rules. Your F-1 status is most assuredly tied to the school that issued the I-20 you used to enter.