Transfer Your SEVIS Record to HOFT Institute
Continue your English studies in Austin with professional full-time teachers, flexible schedules, and personal support through every step of your school transfer.
✓ SEVP-Certified School
✓ Central Austin campus
✓ Students from 30+ countries
Why students choose HOFT
A Stronger English-Learning Experience. Transfer to a school that combines academic quality, practical scheduling, and dedicated international student support.
Professional Full-Time Teachers
Learn from experienced instructors dedicated to student progress and consistent academic quality.
Flexible Schedules
Choose a two-day or four-day schedule that fits your work, family, and study goals.
Free Daily Conversation Club
Practice real English in conversation sessions with native speakers to build confidence and fluency.
University Pathways
Prepare for future academic study with guidance toward U.S. colleges and universities..
Central Austin Campus
Study close to downtown, the University of Texas, transportation, restaurants, and student life.
Personal Transfer Support
Our international student team helps you understand documents, timing, and next steps.
How Your SEVIS Transfer Works
Your transfer can move quickly once HOFT has your documents and your current school releases your SEVIS record.
Apply Online
Complete the HOFT application.
Upload Documents
Send passport, visa, and financial records.
Pay Fees
Submit the application fee and transfer deposit.
Transfer Form
HOFT provides transfer instructions.
SEVIS Release
Your current school releases your record.
New I-20
HOFT issues your transfer-pending I-20.
Required Documents and Transfer Fees
Submitting a complete application helps prevent delays. Additional documents may be requested depending on your situation.
Standard Admission Items
Personal, contact and academic information.
Nonrefundable school application fee.
Include dependents when applicable.
At least 3–4 sentences explaining why you want to study English.
At least $8,000 for one semester or $16,000 for one year, plus $2,000 per dependent.
Required when another person will support your tuition and living expenses.
Additional Transfer-In Requirements
The non-refundable transfer deposit is applied to your first semester's tuition.
Only required if you already hold a U.S. visa.
After receiving all of the documents above and the transfer deposit, HOFT will issue a Transfer-In Form for your current school's student advisor or Designated School Official (DSO) to complete.
SEVIS Transfer FAQ
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Your visa stamp and your F-1 status are different. A student who is maintaining valid F-1 status may still be eligible for a SEVIS transfer even when the visa stamp has expired. HOFT must review your documents before confirming eligibility.
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Timing depends mainly on when your application is complete and when your current school releases the SEVIS record. HOFT can generally prepare the new I-20 quickly after the record becomes available.
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Students who keep the same SEVIS record generally do not pay a new I-901 fee. HOFT can confirm whether this applies after reviewing your record.
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Your current school releases your SEVIS record to HOFT on the agreed date. After that date, HOFT can access the record and issue your transfer I-20.
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International travel can affect transfer timing and re-entry documents. Speak with HOFT and your current school's DSO before making travel arrangements.
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Potential DHS changes may add fixed periods of admission or additional federal filing requirements in some situations. Because implementation details may change, HOFT should confirm the final rule and effective date before publishing this statement. Students should start early and seek individualized advice from a DSO or qualified immigration attorney.
READY FOR YOUR NEXT STEP?
Continue Your Education at HOFT Institute
Apply online or speak with an international student advisor to review your documents, transfer timing, and next available start date.