Change in Level of Study or Curriculum

When you progress from one level of study to another, change curriculum (including thesis to non-thesis) or apply for a co-major, it is necessary that the INS be notified for F-1 students and the Exchange Visitor Program for J-1 students. This process occurs when you change curriculum, or move from a Bachelor's to Master's, from a Master's to a Doctorate or from a Doctorate back to a Master's degree or pursue a co-major at the same institution. A new certificate of financial responsibility will be required in order to issue a new Form I-20 or DS-2019 to complete the notification process to INS or the Exchange Visitor Program.

Undergraduate Student:

If you plan to change your curriculum or pursue a co-major, you will need to make an appointment with an OIS adviser to obtain the instructions on how to process the requested change.  The adviser will need a copy of your curriculum change form.  In order to issue a new Form I-20 or DS-2019 to complete the notification process to INS or the Exchange Visitor Program for the change in curriculum or co-major, a new certificate of financial responsibility and a letter from the academic adviser certifying that you have been continuously enrolled for a full course of study which provides a new expected date of completion is required.  You must make an appointment to meet with an OIS adviser to process a new Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20 or DS-2019).

 

Graduate Student:

If you request a change in curriculum, level of study or co-major, the Graduate School notifies OIS of this request.  A letter is sent to you by OIS with instructions on how to process the requested change.  In order to issue a new Form I-20 or DS-2019 to complete the notification process to INS or the Exchange Visitor Program for the change in curriculum, level of study or co-major, a new certificate of financial responsibility and a letter from the academic adviser certifying that you have been continuously enrolled for a full course of study which provides a new expected date of completion is required.  You must make an appointment to meet with an OIS adviser to process a new Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20 or DS-2019).