Transferring your Current Visa Status to or from UMMS

If you are currently in the United States, you may be eligible to transfer your current status so that you can study or work at UMMS.  Likewise, if you are at UMMS, but want to pursue your studies / employment elsewhere, you may be eligible to do that. 

Please review the general information for your specific visa type and contact the ISSO or if you have additional questions about the process.

F-1 Students J-1 Exchange Visitors H-1B Temporary Workers Other (O-1, TN, E-3)


J-1 Exchange Visitors

Transferring your J-1 status TO UMMS 

In addition to the J-1 intake forms, we must also receive the J-1 transfer in verification form so that we can evaluate whether or not you are eligible for transfer.  This must be completed and signed by you and by the international student / scholar advisor at your current institution:

  pdf small icon 17x17J-1 Transfer- in form 

Transferring your J-1 status to another institution FROM UMMS

If you are leaving UMMS, please notify your department and the ISSO according to appropriate UMMS policy / procedures on resigning from the institute. Before we will approve the transfer to another institution, we require that you submit the J-1 transfer-out form to the ISSO.

  pdf small icon 17x17J-1 Transfer – out form 

H-1B Temporary Workers

If you are currently in the U.S. in valid H-1B visa status, the ISSO typically can submit an application to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to change your employer to UMMS.  The ISSO would assist the hiring department in determining whether or not a specific position is eligible for H-1 sponsorship.  If H-1B sponsorship is considered appropriate, the department would need to submit the H intake forms and all supporting documentation to the ISSO.  If your UMMS H application is considered “portable”, you will be  eligible to start your UMMS appointment once USCIS confirms receipt of the application or the requested start date, whichever comes later. 

If you are leaving UMMS, please notify your department and the ISSO according to appropriate UMMS policy / procedures on resigning from the institute.  The ISSO cannot provide guidance or assistance on H transfers out of UMMS.  We recommend that you speak with your prospective employer for guidance. 


Other (TN, O-1, E-3)

If you are in the U.S. in either TN, O-1 or E-3 status, you are not considered employable at UMMS until you are approved by USCIS to begin employment here.  The ISSO will assist the department in determining visa eligibility and will file any related paperwork where appropriate.  Please see our information about TN, O-1 and E-3 status for more general information and eligibility requirements.