overview and definition
When changing programs, both undergraduate and graduate students must obtain an updated I-20 from the International Student & Scholar Services office. There are several types of major or program changes students may encounter.
Change of Major (undergraduate)
Undergraduate students who switch majors will need to ensure that their immigration record is also up to date with the new major. Below, students will find a step-by-step instruction on how to obtain the updated I-20:
- Login to UAtlas and Go to "F-1 Update Your SEVIS Record"
Submit the "I-20 Undergraduate Change of Major Request" e-form.
Students must ensure that the new major is updated in CIS by your academic advisor first for a successful I-20 update.
- A Designated School Official (DSO) from ISSS will review the request, update your
SEVIS record, reprint, and sign the I-20.
Processing time is within 10 business days.
- Receiving the I-20
Once the Change of Major Request is approved, the DSO will send the I-20 electronically through UAtlas. Students will receive a second email with instructions on how to retrieve the I-20. Students must immedietly print and sign the I-20.
It is recommended to archive your old I-20 with your personal records and moving forward utilize the updated I-20.
Adding a second major or minor (undergraduate)
Students who are adding a second major or adding a minor to their academic record will need to do the same with their immigration record. Below, students will find a step-by-step instructions on how to obtain an updated I-20.
Students cannot add a second major or minor in the final semester, delaying their graduation.
- Login to UAtlas and Go to "F-1 Update Your SEVIS Record"
Submit the "I-20 Undergraduate Change of Major Request" e-form and indicate whether you are adding a major or adding a minor.
Students must ensure that the second major or minor is updated in CIS by your academic advisor first for a successful I-20 update.
- A Designated School Official (DSO) from ISSS will review the request, update your
SEVIS record, reprint, and sign the I-20.
Processing time is within 10 business days.
- Receiving the I-20
Once the Change of Major Request is approved, the DSO will send the I-20 electronically through UAtlas. Students will receive a second email with instructions on how to retrieve the I-20. Students must immedietly print and sign the I-20.
It is recommended to archive your old I-20 with your personal records and moving forward utilize the updated I-20.
Change of Graduate Classification (CGC) (Graduate STudents)
Graduate students can make changes in their degree level, degree track, or degree type within their program of study with departamental authorization. The CGC process is under the Office of the Registrar, however, students must also obtain permission from ISSS to ensure that students are aware of possible signficiant, negative impacts on the eligiblity for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation.
Students who are admitted to a new program of study by the Office of Admissions should request a Change of Education Level I-20 from International Admissions.
- Receive Approval from Department & ISSS
Students will need to first work with their department and together fill out the Change of Graduate Classification form. Afterwards the student will take the completed form to an International Student Advisor.
change of graduate classification form
The CGC form must first be filled out by the student's department before ISSS can sign it nor can ISSS sign blank forms.
- After a Designated School Official (DSO) from ISSS signs the CGC form, it will be
returned to the student.
Students must follow departamental procedures when submitting the CGC to the Office of the Registrar.
- After the CGC is processed and it is updated in CIS the student will login to UAtlas
and navigate to "F-1 Update Your SEVIS Record"
Submit the "I-20 Change of Graduate Classification Update Form" e-form. This step is important to obtain an updated I-20 with the new program listed.
- A Designated School Official (DSO) from ISSS will review the request, update your
SEVIS record, reprint, and sign the I-20.
Processing time is within 10 business days.
- Receiving the I-20
Once the Change of Major Request is approved, the DSO will send the I-20 electronically through UAtlas. Students will receive a second email with instructions on how to retrieve the I-20. Students must immediately print and sign the I-20.
It is recommended to archive your old I-20 with your personal records and moving forward utilize the updated I-20.
Change of Major / Program of Study - Frequently Asked Questions
Accordion content goes here
Accordion content goes here
Accordion content goes here