Savanna Hoffman
International students on an F-1 visa are allowed to change their major but must follow a specific process to ensure their I-20 remains valid. Changing majors may impact the length of study and requires updating academic records, including SEVIS and Form I-20. Students must notify the designated office and submit a change request, which may involve providing evidence of funding for extended study. Prior approval from a sponsor may also be necessary to avoid violating scholarship terms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Possibility of changing major | Yes, international students can change their major |
| Requirements | Notify the school and immigration services, update I-20, submit Change of Major E-Form, and maintain accurate academic information in SEVIS record |
| Timing | Submit the Change of Major E-Form at least one month before the semester when the change will take effect |
| Additional Information | Changing majors may affect the length of time to complete studies and may require additional funding |
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What You'll Learn
- International students can switch majors, but they must inform their school and immigration services
- Students must submit a Change of Major E-Form
- An updated I-20 is required when changing majors
- Students must submit evidence of funding for additional time needed to complete a new program
- Consult your sponsor and receive their approval before changing your major
International students can switch majors, but they must inform their school and immigration services
International students can switch majors, but they must follow a specific process to ensure their I-20 remains valid. The I-20 form, or "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," is a critical document for international students studying in the United States. It outlines the terms and conditions of their nonimmigrant student status and is necessary for obtaining a student visa.
Firstly, international students must inform their school about the change of major. This typically involves meeting with an academic advisor in the new major to discuss the plan and gather information. They may also need to consult with their sponsor and obtain approval if they are sponsored students.
Secondly, they must notify the relevant immigration service or international student office, such as the Office of International Services (OIS) or the International Students and Scholars Center (ISSC). This notification is crucial for updating the student's SEVIS record and Form I-20. The SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is an online system that maintains information on international students and exchange visitors in the United States. The Form I-20, issued by the school, details the student's program of study and financial support.
To initiate the change of major process, students usually need to submit a request or a Change of Major E-Form to the immigration service or international student office. In some cases, this can only be done after the change of major has been completed and reflected in the university system. Additionally, if the new major extends the student's study period beyond the end date listed on their current I-20, they may need to provide evidence of funding for the additional time.
It is important to note that the process and requirements may vary slightly depending on the student's visa status, the educational institution, and other specific circumstances. Therefore, international students considering a change of major should carefully review the guidelines provided by their school and immigration authorities to ensure they comply with all necessary procedures.
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Students must submit a Change of Major E-Form
International students on an F-1 visa are allowed to change their major. However, they must inform both the school and the immigration service of this change. It is recommended that students meet with an academic advisor in their intended major before making a decision to switch.
- Review the change of major requirements set forth by the prospective major.
- Meet with an advisor in the intended major or college. Discuss your plan with the advisor and get information on the program.
- Once students have met with their advisor and reviewed their Degree Works, they are ready to update their curriculum.
- Before selecting a new major, minor, or concentration, students must select their catalog term. They may choose from their existing catalog year or the most current catalog year.
- Submit a Change of Major E-Form. This will be sent to the academic department for the requested program.
- The department faculty and/or an academic advising representative will electronically approve or deny the request.
- The student will receive an email notification at each point in the approval process, updating them on the status of the request.
It is important to note that changing your major may delay your graduation timeline, especially if you have already earned a significant number of semester hours. Students are encouraged to consult with an academic advisor and utilize tools such as the What-If Feature in Degree Works to understand how changing their major may impact their graduation timeline.
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An updated I-20 is required when changing majors
International students on an F-1 visa are permitted to change their major, but they must ensure that their I-20 form remains valid and current. The I-20 is a document that is issued by a student's Designated School Official (DSO) and is an essential part of maintaining F-1 visa status. The major/plan of study selected by the student is included in the "Program of Study" section on page 1 of the I-20 form.
When an international student decides to change their major, they must inform both their school and the immigration service. While it is not necessary for students to request a new I-20, as the school's international office will automatically produce one, students should allow five business days for processing an updated I-20. Students can meet with international student office staff without an appointment to discuss any concerns.
To change their major, international students should first run a degree audit on the new program to determine the number of semesters they would need to complete the program. They should then visit an academic advisor in the new major they are considering to discuss their plan and get more information. Finally, they must fill out a Student Information Update Form and submit it to Student Central.
It is important to note that changing the major may impact the type of employment international students can engage in, especially if they are participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT). During the first 12 months of OPT, students can hold positions related to either major, as long as the primary major is listed in section 5 and the secondary major is indicated in the remarks section of the I-20. However, for the 24-Month OPT STEM Extension, students must have the STEM extension-eligible major listed as their primary major in section 5 of their I-20.
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Students must submit evidence of funding for additional time needed to complete a new program
International students on an F-1 visa are permitted to change their major. However, this may affect the length of time it takes to complete their studies, and students must ensure that their I-20 remains valid and current. As part of the process of switching majors, students must submit evidence of funding for the additional time needed to complete their new program.
To do this, students should first run a degree audit on the new program to determine the number of semesters they would need to complete it. This will give them an idea of the additional time and financial requirements needed to make the switch. They should then discuss their plan with an academic advisor in the new major, who can provide further information and guidance on the program.
After gathering all the necessary information, students must submit a Student Information Update Form to the school, including details of their extended funding. This is a crucial step to ensure that the student's visa remains valid and that they can continue their studies without interruption. The school and immigration services must be kept informed of any changes to the student's major and the associated funding requirements.
It is important to note that the requirements and procedures may vary depending on the student's country of study and visa status. Students should always refer to their specific country's or institution's guidelines and seek advice from their academic advisors before making any decisions regarding a change of major.
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Consult your sponsor and receive their approval before changing your major
International students on a student visa are typically sponsored by a university, government, or private sponsor. Before changing your major, it is essential to consult with your sponsor and obtain their approval to avoid any potential violations of your scholarship or visa requirements.
For instance, F-1 students at Columbus State Community College are allowed to change their major, but they must follow a specific process to ensure their I-20 remains valid. The I-20 form is a critical document for international students, as it certifies their eligibility for student visa status and includes information about their major or plan of study. Failing to update this document with any changes in their major or degree program can result in serious consequences.
Similarly, at Lehigh University, J-1 students sponsored by an external organization, such as the Fulbright Program, must report changes to their DS-2019 form to the relevant sponsoring organization. This step is crucial to maintaining compliance with immigration regulations.
To ensure a smooth transition when changing your major, it is advisable to seek guidance from academic advisors or international student support services at your university. They can provide valuable assistance in navigating the specific requirements and procedures, including any necessary updates to your I-20 or DS-2019 forms, proof of admission to the new program, proof of financial support, and maintaining valid health insurance coverage.
Additionally, it is beneficial to be mindful of the potential impact on the duration of your studies. A change of major may extend the time needed to complete your degree, so it is essential to discuss these implications with your sponsor and receive their approval before finalizing any changes.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can switch majors.
To switch your major, you must notify the relevant office at your university, such as the Office of International Services, and submit a request to change your major. You may also need to fill out a Student Information Update Form and submit it to Student Central.
Yes, an updated I-20 is required when you change your major. You must request this from the International Students and Scholars Center (ISSC) at your university.
It is possible to switch your major after your I-20 has been issued, but before you have used it. However, some universities may have different policies, so it is best to check with your specific institution.
