Change of Program and/or Degree Level
F-1 students are required to notify the Office of International Students and Scholars when there is a change in academic programs and/or degree levels. Examples of changes that require notification are:
- a change in major field
- a change in degree level
Notification Procedure
- If you are interested in changing majors and/or degree levels, you must first work with the Office of the Registrar or the Office of Admission on procedures for reapplying to a new academic program.
- Upon receiving notification from the Registrar or Admission that you have been admitted to the new program, you must notify the OISS of this change by submitting the Change in Major/Degree Level form via TC-Compass. Under F-1 regulations, a new I-20 must be issued when there is a significant change in your academic information, including a change in your major field and/or degree level. Note that if you need to extend your program (I-20), you must submit updated financial documents along with your application. Check with the OISS for more details.
- The OISS will issue a new Form I-20 to reflect the updated information in your academic program and notify the Department of Homeland Security on your behalf.
Important Note on Deadlines
You are required to notify the OISS of the change in your academic program within 10 days of the change or by the add/drop deadline for the term you are admitted, whichever is earlier. The OISS is required to notify the Department of Homeland Security within 21 days after you have started your new academic program. Because these deadlines are mandated by immigration regulations, failure to make the appropriate notifications in a timely manner may place your F-1 status in jeopardy. If you fall out of F-1 status because you did not make the appropriate notifications to our office, you will lose eligibility for F-1 benefits and will need to apply for reinstatement to F-1 status.