Switching Majors: Options For International Students

Changing majors is a common occurrence for university students, with nearly one-third of undergraduates in the US changing their major at least once. International students are no exception, and they may have additional considerations when making this decision. For example, international students on F-1 or J-1 visas in the US must maintain accurate academic information in their SEVIS record and Form I-20 or DS-2019, which requires updating in the event of a major change. Additionally, visa conditions and the potential impact on the length of studies should be considered. While it is possible to change majors as an international student, seeking guidance from the relevant support services is essential to ensure compliance with any necessary procedures and regulations.

International students can change their major

In the United States, for instance, international students in F-1 or J-1 status must maintain accurate and updated academic information in their records, including their I-20 or DS-2019 forms. These forms reflect the student's educational program, including their major(s) and the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code assigned to their major(s). Therefore, a change of major requires students to submit a request to their respective offices, such as the Office of International Services or the ISSS (International Student & Scholar Services), to update their records and documents accordingly.

Before initiating the change of major process, international students should consider the time and approvals required from the academic department or college. They should also be mindful of the potential impact on the length of their studies and visa validity. For instance, if the new major requires studying beyond the end date listed on their current I-20, they may need to submit evidence of funding for the additional time and apply for a visa extension.

To ensure a smooth transition, international students are advised to consult their academic adviser, discuss their plans, and seek guidance on the specific requirements and procedures for changing their major. Additionally, meeting with a course advisor or contacting international student support services can provide valuable assistance in navigating any visa-related implications of changing majors.

While the flexibility to change majors is available, international students must be diligent in maintaining accurate records and complying with any applicable regulations to avoid complications with their student status and visa. Each university and country may have its own unique processes, so proactive communication with the relevant departments is essential to ensure a successful transition to a new field of study.

Notify the Office of International Services

If you are an international student and you want to change your major, there are a few things you need to do to notify the Office of International Services (OIS). Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Check Your Student Status

First, it's important to understand your student status. International students in F-1 or J-1 status must maintain accurate and up-to-date academic information in their records. This includes your SEVIS record and Form I-20, which lists your major(s) and the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code assigned to your major(s). Any changes to your major must be reflected in these documents.

Step 2: Consult with Advisors

Before making any decisions, it is recommended to book a meeting with a course advisor or academic advisor to discuss your options. They can guide you through the process and help you understand the implications of changing your major. This is especially important if your new major will affect your visa status or require additional time to complete your studies.

Step 3: Notify the Office of International Services

Once you have decided on your new major and gained approval from the academic department or college, you need to notify the OIS by submitting a request to change your major. This can typically be done through an online portal or e-form. The OIS will then update your SEVIS record and Form I-20 to reflect your new major.

Step 4: Provide Additional Documentation

In some cases, you may need to submit additional documentation. For example, if changing your major will require you to extend your studies beyond the end date listed on your Form I-20, you will need to provide evidence of funding for the additional time needed to complete your new academic program.

Step 5: Receive Updated Documents

After your request has been processed and approved by the OIS, they will contact you with options for receiving your updated Form I-20. This may take some time, as the change can only be made after it is reflected in the university system. Once you have your new Form I-20, you can officially begin your studies in your new academic program.

It is important to note that the process may vary slightly depending on your university and student status. Always refer to your university's specific guidelines and seek advice from the relevant departments to ensure a smooth transition when changing your major.

Submit a Change of Educational Level request

International students on an F-1 visa must always have an I-20 or DS-2019 that accurately reflects their educational program. A change in educational level requires an updated document. This process is called "change of level" for students in F-1 status.

To submit a Change of Educational Level request, the following steps need to be taken:

• Gather your financial documentation: You will need to prove that you have the financial resources to live and study in the United States. This includes providing information on your expenses and funding for the length of your program. All dollar amounts must be entered without commas or periods and rounded to the nearest dollar.
• Submit a request: Use the International Center Portal Request Center to submit a Change of Education Level Request. Upload a copy of your new passport if the one on file has expired.
• Obtain a new I-20: Once your request has been approved, you will receive a new I-20 document reflecting your change in educational level. This process may take up to two weeks.
• Inform the necessary parties: In addition to updating your I-20, you must also inform both your school and the immigration service of your change in educational level.
• Keep all records: It is important to keep all Forms I-20 issued during your academic career. When information on the Form I-20 changes, provide a new copy to the relevant parties.

It is important to note that there are time constraints for submitting a Change of Educational Level request. The request must be made within 45 days of completing your first program. Additionally, the new program start date must occur within five months of completing the current program.

The change may affect the length of study

Changing majors as an international student is possible, but it is important to note that it may affect the duration of your studies. The change of major process can vary depending on your student visa status, the country you are studying in, and the specific requirements of your educational institution. Here is some information on how the change of major may impact the length of your studies:

F-1 and J-1 Student Visas in the United States:

If you are an international student in the United States with an F-1 or J-1 visa, changing your major will require updating your SEVIS record (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) and Form I-20, which specifies your educational program and major. The change of major process can only be completed after the change has been reflected in the university system. If the new major requires you to study beyond the end date listed on your current I-20, you will need to submit evidence of funding for the additional time needed to complete the new program, up to one academic year. Therefore, changing to a major with a longer duration may impact the overall length of your studies.

University-Specific Requirements:

Each university may have its own procedures and requirements for changing majors. For example, at Vanderbilt University, F-1 and J-1 students must maintain an I-20 or DS-2019 that accurately reflects their educational program, including any changes in their major. At the University of Illinois Chicago, international students must notify the Office of International Services and submit a request to change their major, which will then be updated in the SEVIS record and I-20. Additionally, approval from the academic department or college is required, which can add time to the process. It is important to consult with your specific university's international student support services to understand the potential impact on the length of your studies.

Visa Validity and Extensions:

Changing your major may impact the validity of your student visa. In some cases, you may need to apply for a visa extension if your new major cannot be completed within the original visa duration. This was evident in a student's experience at UWA, where changing from a four-year degree to a three-year degree required a new Certificate of Enrolment (COE) and potentially a visa extension. It is crucial to seek guidance from international student support services or registered migration agents to ensure your visa remains valid and to understand the potential length of your studies with the new major.

In summary, changing majors as an international student may affect the length of your studies due to the need to update records, obtain approvals, and potentially secure visa extensions. It is important to carefully consider the specific requirements and processes of your host country and educational institution to make an informed decision about changing your major.

Students must maintain an accurate academic record

For international students in the United States, maintaining accurate academic information is essential. Those in F-1 status, for instance, must keep their SEVIS record and Form I-20 current and accurate. The I-20 form is part of the visa application process and includes details about the student's major(s) and the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code assigned to their major(s). If an international student changes their major, it is their responsibility to ensure that their I-20 is updated to reflect this change accurately.

To maintain accurate academic records, international students should follow the procedures outlined by their educational institution. For example, at Vanderbilt University, students must inform their ISSS advisor and submit a Change of Educational Level request on the ISSS Portal. Similarly, at the University of Illinois Chicago, students need to notify the Office of International Services by submitting a request to change their major, so their SEVIS record and I-20 can be updated.

It is worth noting that changing majors may have implications for the length of a student's studies and their visa status. If the new major requires additional time to complete, students may need to apply for a visa extension. Therefore, it is advisable for international students to consult with their academic advisor and international student support services before making any major changes to their academic program. This will help ensure that their academic records remain accurate and up to date, and that they are compliant with any relevant visa regulations.

In summary, maintaining accurate academic records is crucial for international students. By keeping their records current, students can ensure they are on track with their educational goals and compliant with any visa requirements. When changing majors, students should follow the procedures outlined by their educational institution and be mindful of any potential impacts on their study duration and visa status. Consulting with academic advisors and international student support services can provide valuable guidance and help students navigate these important decisions effectively.

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