* The receiving institution's policies: Each college and university sets its own rules. Some have explicit time limits (e.g., credits must be transferred within 5 years of earning them), while others don't specify a time limit but may be less likely to accept older credits. Their policies will outline their acceptance of credits from regionally accredited institutions, as well as any other stipulations.
* The sending institution's policies: While less common, some institutions may have policies regarding how long *they* will keep records of your coursework, making retrieval for transfer difficult after a certain amount of time.
* Credit type: Some credit types, like those from non-accredited institutions or professional development courses, may be less likely to transfer regardless of time elapsed. The nature of the course and its relevance to the new program is a key consideration.
* Accreditation: Credits from regionally accredited institutions are generally more easily transferable than those from nationally accredited or unaccredited institutions. The status of the granting institution is crucial for transferability.
In short, you should always check the transfer credit policies of the specific institution you plan to attend. Contact their registrar's office or admissions department to inquire about their procedures and any time limits they may have. Don't assume any particular timeframe applies universally.