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HomeImmigration StatusF-1 StudentChange of Level/Program

Change of Level/Program

  • Overview

    F-1 students must  be enrolled full-time each required term, and making degree progress in the academic program listed on their Form I-20. If you change your major, minor, or degree level, you must obtain an updated Form I-20 from Visa and Immigration Services (VIS).

    When to Request an Updated Form I-20

    You’ll need a new I-20 when:

    • You change your primary or secondary major, add a minor, or begin a new academic program at Stony Brook.
    • You move to a new educational level, such as from IEC to a bachelor’s program, bachelor’s to master’s, or master’s to PhD.
    • You plan to pursue another degree at the same level (for example, a second master’s degree).

    Timing and Eligibility

    Change of Program or Major: Your SEVIS record must be updated within 21 days of your new major being officially approved.

    Change of Level: Requests must be processed within 60 days of completing your current program or within 60 days of completing Post-Completion OPT. Your new program must begin within 5 months of your current program or OPT end date.

    Select the tabs above for details on reporting your change and requesting an updated Form I-20.

  • Change of Level


    Change of Level

    If you move from one educational level to another,for example, from IEC to bachelor’s, bachelor’s to master’s, or master’s to PhD, you must request an updated Form I-20 from Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) by submitting the Change of Degree Level request in accessVIS.

    You should also submit a Change of Degree Level request if you plan to pursue an additional degree at the same level at Stony Brook (e.g., a second master’s program).

    Your request must be processed within 60 days of completing your current program or within 60 days of completing OPT.

    You are not eligible for a change of level if your new program does not begin within 5 months of your current program or OPT end date.

    Request a Change of Degree Level

    NOTE: Changes in degree level cannot be made after the first day of classes unless prior approval has been granted by the Graduate School.

    Employment Considerations & Restrictions

    Employment Between Academic Levels
    If your Change of Level Form I-20 has been issued reflecting the change to a new academic level at Stony Brook, you may continue on-campus employment during the break between completing your current program and starting the next.

    While on Post-Completion OPT
    If you are currently authorized for Post-Completion OPT and plan to begin a new degree program, you must stop all employment by the first day of classes in your new program.

    Important: OPT authorization automatically ends when you transfer to another school or begin a new academic level.

  • Change of Program


    Change of Program or Major

    As an F-1 student, your admission to the U.S. is based on pursuing a specific educational goal, and your degree program listed on your Form I-20.

    If you decide to change your major or add another field of study, you must follow certain steps to maintain your F-1 status. While you don’t need government approval for the change, your SEVIS record must be updated within 21 days of your new major being officially approved.

    Keep in mind that the major listed on your Form I-20 has implications for eligibility for Practical Training (CPT or OPT), so it’s important to make sure your I-20 always reflects your current program accurately.

    Undergraduate Students

    If you’re an undergraduate international student in F-1 status, Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) will be automatically notified when you change your primary or secondary major through the university system. VIS will then update your SEVIS record and issue a new Form I-20 to reflect the change.

    Changes to a minor will also be updated in SEVIS, but a new I-20 will not be issued.

    You will receive an email with instructions on how to access your updated Form I-20 in accessVIS within three-weeks of the change. If you haven’t been notified by then, please contact VIS for assistance.

    For guidelines on declaring or changing your major or minor with the university, including eligibility requirements, forms, deadlines, and submission steps, click here.

    graduate Students

    If you’re a graduate international student planning to change your program of study, you’ll first need to be officially admitted to the new program.

    Once your admission is confirmed, submit a Change of Academic Program request in accessVIS to obtain an updated Form I-20 reflecting your new program details.

    Sufficient proof of funding for your new academic program will be required in accessVIS. Click here for a breakdown of the financial requirements.

    1. Complete the Request in accessVIS
    2. Department Review
    3. Receive Your Updated Form I-20
F-1 Student
F-1 Student