Change of Degree, Funding, or Study Area
Making sure that all information on your I-20 is up-to-date is an important part of maintaining your F-1 status. If any changes occur regarding your degree level, funding, or major/program of study, you will want to update your I-20.
Change of Degree Level
Some Ph.D. students may decide to terminate studies at the Master’s level. If you are thinking about doing this, the first thing you should do is discuss this with your academic advisor. If it is agreed that this is the right decision for you, then your department must first contact the Graduate School. The Graduate School will then update your records to indicate that you are a Master-level student and no longer a doctoral-level student. Only after the Graduate School acknowledges this change can IES change the program level on your I-20. You will need to submit a Request for I-20 Form to IES so that this information can be changed and a new I-20 printed.
If you plan on changing to a higher degree, you must be officially admitted into that program first. After IES receives notification of your admission and proof of funding, IES will give you a new I-20, which reflects your new educational objective.
Change of Funding
IES advises that you update your funding before you leave the U.S. if you are planning to renew your visa before you re-enter. You will need to submit a Request for I-20 Form to IES along with financial support documents. If you have other reasons for updating the funding information on your I-20, then it is suggested that you come in to speak with an IES advisor.
Undergraduates: If you change your major or add an additional major, you will need to submit a Request for I-20 Form indicating what the change is so that we may update your I-20.
Graduates: If you plan on changing your program of study, you must be officially admitted into that program first. After IES receives notification of your admission and proof of funding, IES will give you a new I-20, which reflects your new program of study.