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Already in the U.S. on F-1 status? Get clear guidance on AFI’s application, SEVIS transfer-in steps, required documents, and next available start dates at our Pasadena or Westlake Village (near Thousand Oaks) campus.
Already in the U.S. on F-1 status and thinking about changing schools? Whether you are transferring from another college, university, or ESL school, finishing OPT, or moving within Southern California, AFI Admissions can review your situation and help you understand what you need to do next.
AFI can help you with:
Once you are admitted, AFI will provide the information you need to coordinate the SEVIS release with your current school and complete the transfer-in steps at AFI.
You do not need to have every document ready before contacting us. Tell us your current status, current school, and when you would like to start, and we’ll guide you from there.
AFI provides admission and school-transfer support for eligible students who want to continue full-time English study. Our team can:
AFI is a SEVP-certified school authorized under federal law to enroll eligible nonimmigrant students. Admission, SEVIS transfer eligibility, and timing are reviewed individually; no outcome is guaranteed.
AFI offers full-time English study for eligible F-1 students at two Southern California locations. Admissions can help you confirm current program availability and the next suitable start date.
A practical choice for students living in Pasadena, the San Gabriel Valley, or nearby Los Angeles communities. Contact admissions to ask about current classes, start dates, and transfer availability.
A convenient option for students living in Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, or surrounding Conejo Valley communities. Contact admissions to ask about current classes, start dates, and transfer availability.
Not sure which campus to choose? Select ‘Not sure’ on the inquiry form and admissions will help you compare the locations.
F-1 Transfer
Focused Support
SEVP-Certified School
AFI is certified to enroll eligible F-1 students.
CEA Accredited
AFI is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation.
Regular Start Opportunities
Clear start-date information helps eligible transfer students plan their next session.
Two Southern California Campus Options
Pasadena and Westlake Village (near Thousand Oaks).
Admissions and student
support before and after enrollment
Our goal is to make the school-transfer and enrollment steps clear, while helping students build practical English skills for academic, professional, and everyday communication.
Transfer timing varies based on your completed application, required documents, your current school’s SEVIS transfer release date, and AFI’s next available session. Start early so both schools have time to coordinate.
Step 1 — Send AFI your current status, preferred campus, and intended start date.
Step 2 — Apply and submit the required documents.
Step 3 — If admitted, receive AFI acceptance and transfer-in instructions.
Step 4 — Coordinate the SEVIS transfer release date with your current school’s DSO.
Step 5 — After the release date, AFI completes the transfer-in school steps and confirms the appropriate AFI program start date.
You may be able to use the F-1 school-transfer process if you are accepted by AFI, your SEVIS record is eligible for transfer, and you can begin the new program within the time allowed for your situation.
Contact AFI Admissions if you are:
Eligibility is not determined by this page. AFI's DSO must review your individual situation and records. If your SEVIS record is terminated or you may have a status violation, AFI can explain its admissions requirements and school procedures. You may also wish to speak with your current DSO or a qualified immigration attorney about your individual circumstances.
For a faster AFI transfer review, be ready to provide the documents AFI requests for your situation. Common items may include:
AFI Admissions will confirm the exact document list after reviewing your situation.
Finishing or recently finished OPT and want to continue studying English? An F-1 school transfer may be possible, but timing is important.
SEVP guidance generally requires a transferring F-1 student to begin the new program by the next available session start date or within the applicable five-month limit, whichever is earlier. For a student on OPT, employment authorization based on the transfer-out school ends on the SEVIS transfer release date, so coordinate that date carefully with the current DSO.
Tell AFI your OPT end date, current school, preferred campus, and preferred start date so our Admissions/DSO team can review the school-side next steps for your situation.
Starting early gives you time to confirm admission, prepare the required documents, select the correct AFI campus and program start date, and coordinate with both schools.
Before your current school releases your SEVIS record:
Confirm that AFI has accepted you.
Confirm the correct AFI campus.
Coordinate the requested release date with AFI.
Ask how the release date may affect employment, travel, and your next program start date.
If your SEVIS record is inactive, terminated, or approaching an important deadline, contact AFI Admissions immediately. Our team will review your situation and explain the appropriate next steps.
CEA Accredited
SEVP-Certified School
F-1 Admissions and DSO Support
Sofia, Colombia
I needed an English school closer to where I live, and AFI helped me understand what was required to transfer from my previous school. The Westlake Village (near Thousand Oaks) campus is welcoming, the classes are focused, and the staff know their students personally. I’m very happy I chose AFI.
Minjun, South Korea
I was already studying in the United States and wanted to transfer to an English program in Los Angeles. AFI clearly explained the documents, campus information, and timing before I contacted my current DSO. The admissions team responded quickly and made every step easier to understand.
Camila, Brazil
I wanted to feel more confident speaking English in daily life. The classes give me plenty of speaking practice, and the teachers make it easy to participate.
Yuki, Japan
I joined AFI to improve my English for work and everyday communication. The lessons are practical, and I feel much more comfortable speaking now.
Tell us where you are in the transfer process. AFI Admissions will review your information and contact you with the next steps.
AFI Admissions will review your information and contact you during business hours about your next steps. Need help sooner? Call or WhatsApp us at (626) 689-9362.
Start before your current program or OPT ends—and before asking your current school to release your SEVIS record. Starting early gives AFI time to review your admission documents and helps you coordinate the release date with both schools.
Documents may include your passport, current Form I-20, Form I-94, financial documents, and information about your current school. Students on OPT may also need to provide their EAD and OPT Form I-20. AFI Admissions will confirm the documents required for your situation.
A transfer may be possible during or after OPT, depending on your timing and SEVIS record. Your OPT employment authorization ends on your SEVIS transfer release date, even if your EAD has a later expiration date. Contact AFI before your current school sets the release date.
An expired F-1 visa stamp does not automatically end your F-1 status while you are inside the United States. If you are maintaining status and your SEVIS record is eligible for transfer, you may still be able to transfer schools. International travel and re-entry have separate document requirements.
Usually not when your existing SEVIS record and SEVIS ID are transferred to AFI. If a new SEVIS record is required, different fee requirements may apply. AFI Admissions can review your documents and explain the appropriate next step.
Students who successfully complete their program generally have a 60-day grace period. Early withdrawal, a terminated record, or another status issue may have different deadlines. Contact AFI as soon as possible if your program has ended or your deadline is approaching.
No. An AFI acceptance letter alone does not authorize you to stop attending your current school. Continue following your current school’s attendance and F-1 requirements until your transfer release date or until your current DSO confirms otherwise.
Travel may be possible, but the timing and required documents matter. If your SEVIS record has already been released, you will generally need a transfer-pending Form I-20 from AFI, a valid passport, and the appropriate visa documentation to request re-entry. Speak with your current DSO and AFI before booking travel.
Tell us about your current school, F-1 or OPT status, and preferred start date. AFI Admissions will review your information and contact you about the next steps.
Tell us your current status, preferred campus, and preferred start date. AFI Admissions will review your information and explain the next AFI application and school-transfer steps.
Not sure which campus or transfer path fits your situation? Start with the short form — you do not need to have every document ready to ask a question.
It is the mission of AFI to enable students to develop authentic English language skills and the cultural awareness to be competent in professional and social environments
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