DSO is Opposing F1 Student's Transfer to Another School
Here is my situation:
I'm an F-1 student, I'm in the US to pursue a Master's degree. After a couple of weeks I realized I chose the wrong school and I want to transfer. I got admitted to another school that I like better. I spoke to the DSO at the first school to ask him to release my SEVIS records, so the DSO at the other institution can start the transfer process, but this person is refusing to release my records. According to the Bursar's office I owe 1 week of tuition, a total of $3100, which I found ridiculous, so I'm refusing to pay.
My question is: Does the DSO has the power to refuse to release my SEVIS records since I don't want to pay? I would assume that my immigration records and my bills are two different matters, and he should release my records no matter what.. then the Bursar is free to sue me or whatever, but I don't think they can "lock" my SEVIS records.
Can someone please tell me if I'm wrong?
Thank you
Re: I Hold a F 1 Visa and the Dso is Opposing My Transfer to Another School
A school has the right to refuse to transfer records, when you have an outstanding bill. I suggest you pay the money you owe.
Re: I Hold a F 1 Visa and the Dso is Opposing My Transfer to Another School
You are wrong. They see many students who use admission to their college only as a means of entering the US because if the other school's admission was presented for a visa, the visa would not be granted.
You owe the money. If you remain in the US, they can sue you for payment and once it is on your credit report, you will have trouble getting a place to live, a car, credit - and even a job. Many employers require credit as well as criminal background checks. Your refusal to pay will likely kleep you from having the life you are looking for in the US.
If you do not want to attend the school, go home. Your best bet is to pay the bill, attend classes for a semester, and then transfer to the new school. Besides., what legitmate school is accepting new applicants so far into the semester?
Re: I Hold a F 1 Visa and the Dso is Opposing My Transfer to Another School
Maybe I wasn't clear: the new school already admitted me, to the Spring semester. They are able to issue me a new I 20 right now, and they are willing to do it. I checked on http://www.ice.gov/sevis/f_1_transfe...#_Toc174419525 , and as long as the new program starts in within 5 months by the time you transfer, you can stay in the US. Both the DSO at the transfer-out school and the one at the transfer-in school confirmed that this is doable.
The DSO at the transfer-out is just refusing to initiate the transferring process, because they say I owe the money.
My question wasn't about getting sued and having a bad credit (I asked that question on the specific message board). My question was: is it legal for a DSO to refuse to transfer a student's immigration record to another school just because of an internal matter such as a bill?
Re: DSO is Opposing F1 Student's Transfer to Another School
I suggest you call ICE and complain they won't release your records, because you won't pay your bill.
Re: I Hold a F 1 Visa and the Dso is Opposing My Transfer to Another School
If you did not report to school or are not attending classes at this time, the DSO needs to report you to ICE.
Re: DSO is Opposing F1 Student's Transfer to Another School
http://www.uscis.gov/ilink/docView/S...0-0-17636.html
On the other side, you are clearly in violation of 8 CFR § Sec. 214.2(f) Students in colleges, universities, seminaries, conservatories, academic high schools, elementary schools, other academic institutions, and in language training programs --
(D) In the case of a student who intends to study at a public secondary school, the student has demonstrated that he or she has reimbursed the local educational agency that administers the school for the full, unsubsidized per capita cost of providing education at the school for the period of the student's attendance.
Re: I Hold a F 1 Visa and the Dso is Opposing My Transfer to Another School
I was right: the school just released my SEVIS record today, I still haven't payed the bill
Re: DSO is Opposing F1 Student's Transfer to Another School
So now they have the option of reporting you for violating the terms of your visa.
Re: I Hold a F 1 Visa and the Dso is Opposing My Transfer to Another School
Let us know how defaulting on your debt works for you in the future.