Immigration regulations require that a new I-20 be made for F-1 students who change degree levels or departments (even if the completion date on the I-20 for the previous degree has not passed.) Students changing degree levels or departments must initiate this process by completing an I-20 Request Form and submitting it at the I-Center along with proof of funding for the next academic year. The student's academic advisor must indicate on section #4 of the I-20 Request Form the projected completion date of the new degree.

Students who are adding a new degree program (at the same level but different department) and who will complete the new program later than the old program must likewise apply for a new I-20.

Upon declaring a major,undergraduates who have I-20s on which their major is marked as "General Studies " will be automatically issued a new I-20 to reflect their declared major. They do not need to apply for the new I-20. The same is true for undergraduates who change majors. Undergrads who are admitted to the co-term program, however, must apply for the new I-20 to reflect the new degree level (and/or program) by completing and submitting the I-20 Request form to the I-Center.

The completed I-20 request form must be submitted to the I-Center by the student along with the required proof of funding either prior to or as soon as the student begins the new program. If the student is planning to start a new degree program after either graduating from or discontinuing the degree program currently noted on the I-20, the I-20 Request form must be submitted prior to the completion of discontinuance of the current program.

WARNING-- RE Post-Completion practical training:
Students who are enrolled in more than one degree program may not apply for post-completion practical training based on completion of one degree program while taking a leave of absence from the other degree program. Students who complete one degree level/program may not defer starting the new level/program in order to engage in post-completion practical training based on completion of the first degree.