J-1 Transfers

The J-1 Exchange Visitor (EV) Program "BridgeUSA" allows participants to transfer between two J-1 programs (i.e. two different universities or research institutions authorized by the US Department of State to host in the J-1 category) if: 

• J-1 Exchange Visitor is in active status and maintains that status throughout the transfer process. Transfers are not possible after an end date or in the grace period;
• Transfer occurs within the maximum time limitation allowed by the specific J-1 category;
• Transfer occurs within the same J-1 category (i.e. J-1 Research Scholar to J-1 Research Scholar) with the same/similar program objective.

Note: An EV who has initiated a waiver application of the 212(e) requirement should contact an A/RO to determine the possible impact on transfer eligibility.

Transfer-In (from another J-1 Program Sponsor to CSU)

A J-1 Exchange Visitor who intends to transfer from another J-1 program sponsor to CSU should first review the general eligibility criteria and contact the CISP with any questions. The CISP will evaluate all requests to decide on transfer eligibility. To initiate the Transfer-In to CSU, the following steps must be completed well in advance of the expected start date.

• Prospective Exchange Visitor (EV) must work with CSU academic department to determine appropriate J-1 Program start date and duties.
• Department (Hiring Manager or Dept Admin) should provide supporting documentation to the Center for International Services and Programs (CISP) determine feasibility of transfer.
• Prospective Transfer-In should complete the CSU J-1  form with a A/RO of their current J-1 Program. 
• CSU academic department (Hiring Manager or Dept Admin) should initiate a J-1 Sponsorship Request through the Scholar Portal and upload all supporting documents
• After all items have been submitted, the CISP will review the request. 
• Once current J-1 program sponsor agrees to the Transfer Out, they will schedule the release of the EV's J-1 record to CSU on the agreed upon CSU start date. The date of transfer should be the same day as the appointment start date at CSU. There can be no lapse. 
• CISP will be able to issue a new Form DS-2019 once the previous sponsor releases the SEVIS record.*

*CSU will not have access to the Exchange Visitor's SEVIS record and cannot issue a new DS-2019 form until the date of transfer out from the previous hosting J-1 Program. After the date of transfer, the EV's current program sponsor will no longer have access to their J-1 record and CSU will become the J-1 program sponsor.