Savanna Hoffman
Changing majors is a big decision for any student, but international students on an F-1 visa have additional administrative tasks to consider. A change of major may impact the duration of studies, so it is necessary to inform both the school and the immigration services. International students must maintain accurate academic information in their SEVIS record and Form I-20. To change your major, you must submit a request to the relevant office, and you may also need to provide evidence of funding for any additional time required to complete your new program. This process can vary between institutions, so it is important to seek advice from an academic advisor and ensure you submit the correct forms within the specified time frames.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Necessary actions before changing major | Inform the school and the immigration service of a change of major |
| Run a degree audit on the program to determine the number of semesters left to complete the new program | |
| Visit with the program academic adviser in the new major | |
| Discuss your plan with the adviser and get information on the program | |
| Notify the Office of International Services by submitting a request to change your major | |
| Collect and sign your new I-20 | |
| Submit the Change of Major E-Form in my OIS | |
| Submit evidence of funding for the additional time needed to complete the new academic program | |
| Submit an I-20 Change of Major form to receive Form I-20 with the updated major | |
| Submit a Student Information Update Form to Student Central | |
| Request an updated I-20 from the International Students and Scholars Center (ISSC) | |
| Request a Change of Education Level (CEL) I-20 by submitting the Change of Educational Level eForm via the ISSC eForm Portal | |
| Submit the Change of Educational Level eForm via the ISSC eForm Portal | |
| Submit the Change of Major E-Form in myOIS at least one month prior to the semester when the change will go into effect | |
| Consult with your sponsor and receive their approval prior to making any changes |
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What You'll Learn
Notify the Office of International Services
International students in F-1 status must maintain accurate academic information in their SEVIS record and Form I-20. If you plan to change your major or add a second major, you must notify the Office of International Services (OIS).
Firstly, submit a request to change your major so that the OIS can update your SEVIS record and Form I-20 accordingly. Note that the OIS cannot update your SEVIS record or print a new Form I-20 until you have been admitted to the new program and this is reflected in the university system.
Secondly, inform the Graduate College and complete their Change of Degree Program Form.
Thirdly, submit the Change of Major E-Form in my OIS. This can only be done after the change of major has been completed and is reflected in the university system. If the change of major will require you to study beyond the end date currently listed on your Form I-20, you will need to submit evidence of funding for the additional time needed to complete the new academic program.
Finally, collect and sign your new Form I-20. Once the change of major request is complete, the OIS will contact you with options for receiving your new Form I-20, and you may begin studies in your new academic program.
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Submit an I-20 Change of Major form
International students in F-1 status must maintain accurate academic information in their SEVIS record and Form I-20. If you plan to change your major or add a second major, you must notify the Office of International Services by submitting a request to change your major. This will allow them to update your SEVIS record and I-20 accordingly.
To submit an I-20 Change of Major form, you must first be admitted to the new program and have this admission reflected in the university system. You should also consider the time it will take to gain approval from the academic department or college. Once your change of major is complete, you can submit the Change of Major E-Form.
After submitting the form, you will need to collect and sign your new I-20. The Office of International Services will contact you with options for receiving your new I-20. You may then begin your studies in your new academic program.
Please note that the process may vary slightly depending on your university. For example, at Austin Community College, F-1 visa students must submit their I-20 Change of Major form within 10 days of changing their major. They must submit the form to the International Student Office, along with an I-20 Change of Major form completed with an Area of Study advisor and a degree audit and completion estimate. At the University of Illinois Chicago, you must inform the Graduate College and complete their Change of Degree Program Form before submitting the Change of Major E-Form in my OIS.
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Discuss with an academic advisor
Changing majors can be a complicated process, and it is always best to seek advice from an academic advisor. They will be able to guide you through the process and ensure you are taking the right steps to achieve your academic goals. Academic advisors are there to help you make informed decisions about your education, and they can offer tailored advice based on your unique situation.
Firstly, it is important to understand the implications of changing your major. This may include extending your degree completion date, which could have financial and immigration consequences. An academic advisor will be able to explain these implications and help you navigate any challenges. They can also advise on the practical steps you need to take, such as submitting the necessary forms and updating your academic records.
Before meeting with an academic advisor, it is a good idea to research the new major you are considering. This will enable you to have an informed discussion about your options and the requirements of the new program. You may also want to run a degree audit to determine how many semesters the new program will take to complete. This information will be useful when discussing your plans with the advisor and will help you understand the full scope of changing your major.
During your meeting, the advisor can provide detailed information on the new program and help you understand the academic requirements, including any additional coursework or prerequisites you may need to fulfil. They can also offer advice on how to balance your current studies with the transition to a new major. If you are considering adding a second major, an advisor can explain how this will impact your studies and outline the steps you need to take to add it to your academic record.
Academic advisors are a valuable resource for international students navigating a change of major. They can provide personalised guidance and ensure you are aware of all the necessary steps and potential challenges. By seeking their advice, you can feel confident that you are making a well-informed decision about your academic future.
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Consult your sponsor
If you are an international student with a sponsor, it is important to consult with them before making any changes to your major or degree program. Changing your major without the approval of your sponsor can be considered a serious violation of your scholarship terms. Therefore, it is crucial to keep your sponsor informed and seek their approval for any changes to your academic program.
To begin the process of changing your major, you should first meet with the program academic advisor in the new major you are considering. They can provide valuable information and guidance on the program requirements and help you understand the specific academic path you will be undertaking. This step is essential in making an informed decision about your major change.
After discussing your plans with the academic advisor, the next step is to fill out the necessary forms to initiate the official change of major process. This typically involves submitting a "Change of Major" or "Change of Education Level" request form to the relevant department or office, such as the International Students and Scholars Center (ISSC) or the Office of International Services. Make sure to submit the form within the specified timeframe, which is usually within 10 days of changing your major.
In addition to the "Change of Major" form, you may also be required to submit additional documentation, such as a degree audit, a completion estimate, or evidence of funding if the change of major will extend your studies beyond the original end date. It is important to carefully review the requirements and gather all the necessary documents to ensure a smooth and efficient approval process.
Once you have submitted the "Change of Major" form and any supporting documentation, the relevant office will review your request. During peak seasons, processing times may vary, and it may take longer than the standard 5 to 7 business days for your request to be approved and your updated I-20 to be issued. Keep in mind that you may need to provide additional information or clarification during the review process.
By actively consulting with your sponsor and following the outlined steps, you can effectively navigate the process of changing your major as an international student. Remember that each institution may have specific requirements and procedures, so it is always advisable to refer to your university's guidelines and seek guidance from the relevant offices and advisors.
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Submit a Change of Educational Level eForm
International students on an F-1 visa wishing to change their major must maintain accurate academic information in their SEVIS record and Form I-20. To do this, students should notify their Office of International Services (OIS) of their intention to change their major, so that their records can be updated accordingly.
The first step is to submit a request to change your major with the OIS. This can usually be done via an online e-form, known as a Change of Major E-Form. It is important to note that this form can only be submitted after the change of major has been completed and is reflected in the university system. In other words, the student must first be admitted to the new program and have this admission confirmed by the university.
Students should also be aware that changing a major may require approval from the academic department or college, which can take time. It is recommended that students submit the Change of Major E-Form at least one month before the semester when the change will take effect. Additionally, if the change of major will extend the student's study beyond the end date listed on their I-20, they will need to submit evidence of funding for the additional time required to complete the new academic program.
Once the change of major request has been processed, the OIS will contact the student with options for receiving their new I-20, which reflects the updated academic information. With the new I-20, students can then begin their studies in the new academic program.
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Frequently asked questions
International students can change their major by submitting a request to their university's Office of International Services or International Student Office. They must also submit an I-20 Change of Major form to receive an updated Form I-20 with the new major.
An I-20 form is a document that states the student's major or plan of study and is required for F-1 visa students.
Students must submit the form within 10 days of changing their major.
Yes, international students cannot choose a degree plan where the major coursework is exclusively online. They must also maintain accurate academic information in their SEVIS record and Form I-20.
They will need to request a Change of Education Level (CEL) I-20 by submitting the Change of Educational Level eForm.
