When an F-1 student changes academic level, such as changing from Language Training to an academic program, Undergraduate to Master's, Master's to PhD, Second degree at the same level, or Practical Training to a new academic program, USCIS must be informed of the change. This notification must be accomplished in the SEVIS system as soon as possible, the student must request a new SEVIS I-20 which reflects the new academic program.
Procedure:
The student brings to the Office of International Education the following
documents:
- SEVIS I-20.
- Letter of acceptance into new program.
- Letter of financial support, not more than 6 months old, showing enough funds to cover expenses (tuition and living expenses) for one year.
- A letter of award if he/she is a GTA, GRA, or is currently a recipient of a competitive scholarship.
If a student changes his/her major, the change must be reported to USCIS in the SEVIS system and the student must have a new I-20 issued by the Office of International Education. Information on the I-20 must be current, since the type of job undertaken for practical training is based on the most recent major or field of study.
Procedure:The student brings to the Office of International Education the following documents:
- SEVIS I-20.
- Letter of financial support, not more than 6 months old, showing enough funds to cover expenses (tuition and living expenses) for one year.
- Evidence student has officially changed the major and has registered the change with the registrar.
- A letter of award if he/she is a GTA, GRA, or is currently a recipient of a competitive scholarship.