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Office of International Student and Scholar Services
For International Students

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J-1

F-1

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OISSS > For International Students > F-1 > Change of Major, Program, or Degree Level

F-1
Change of Major, Program, or Degree Level

When you progress from one level of study to another, it is necessary that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) be notified.

  1. Notify the Office of International Student and Scholar Services that you have finished one degree and will be starting another (this applies to changing departments or field of study as well)
  2. Report to the Office of International Student and Scholar Services within 15 days after starting the new level of study and bring: a completed Financial Certificate and supporting financial documents; proof of having registered; valid passport; completed Form I-538; and proof of having completed initial degree (diploma or statement from registrar or department)
  3. One of the Office of International Student and Scholar Services advisors will complete a new I-20 for you. You will need to sign the new I-20 before the change of level can be processed and completed. The Office of International Student and Scholar Services will notify USCIS of the change with page 1-2 of the new I-20 form and will give you page 3-4 of the new I-20 form (the Student copy).