Your transfer must be coordinated between the Office of International Programs (OIP) and your new school. Notre Dame must release you to the new school. Therefore it is important that you clearly decide whether you actually want to transfer prior to initiating the process. You must begin classes at the new school within 5 months of being released by Notre Dame or within 5 months of completing your program at Notre Dame or completing your period of practical training, whichever is earlier.
A student who has not been pursuing a full course of study at the school he/she was last authorized to attend is ineligible for school transfer and must apply for reinstatement or may depart the country and return in a new F-1 nonimmigrant status on the new school's I-20 marked as an initial entry.
You must report to the international student advisor at the new school within 15 days of the new program start date. Please note that if you complete your program at Notre Dame, you have only sixty days from the completion date to transfer to another school.
Students who fail to maintain their student status lose their legal student status. If you lose your student status, you may be eligible for reinstatement if:
Reinstatement applications receive critical review by the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services. It is strongly suggested that you maintain your status to begin with and avoid the need for reinstatement.