Changing major / program of study
Learn about the process of updating your immigration record when changing programs.
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:
How to Change Your Major (Undergraduate)
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 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.
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.
How to Add a Second Major or Minor (Undergraduate)
Login to UAtlas
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 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 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 departmental 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 significant, negative impacts on the eligibility 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.
Change of Graduate Classification Steps (Graduate)
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 departmental 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
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
If adding a second major or minor to your program plan, you must complete them at the same time as your primary major as to not delay your graduation/completion date.
A change in graduate classification may make you ineligible for OPT at a particular education level. Please speak to an international student advisor on how this change may impact your eligibility for OPT in the future.
Yes, this will ensure that the update happens in your CIS portal. If your major has not been updated in CIS, ISSS will not be able to update your I-20.
No, ISSS will need to see a department’s signature on the CGC form before approving it so we have a full understanding of the change that is taking place.
Please follow instructions provided to you by the department and the Office of the Registrar to complete the change of graduate classification process. Once the change is updated in your CIS portal, please submit our Change of Graduate Classification e-form to update your I-20.