Change of Major

You were admitted to the United States to complete a specific educational program as reflected on your I-20 or DS-2019. If your academic information changes (such as declaring or changing your major), it is your responsibility to request an update to your SEVIS record and obtain a new, accurate I-20 or DS-2019. In updating your SEVIS record, the Office of International Students and Scholars (ISS) notifies Immigration that you are continuing your studies in a new academic field.

J-1 students: Changing your program objective during your course of study may be problematic. Please contact your ISS adviser or your program sponsor for assistance.

To request a new I-20 or DS-2019 to reflect your change of major you must be fully admitted to the new program.

1. Complete and submit a Change of Major Request Form to ISS.
2. Allow 1 week for processing.
3. You will receive an email from your ISS adviser when your document is ready for pickup.

1. I am an F-1 student. Why does my current I-20 not reflect the exact major that I'm studying?
   

   In certain cases, the I-20 might not precisely reflect your major. For example, if your major is Visual Arts, your major might appear as Visual and Performing Arts. Your I-20 was issued based on the closest match possible in SEVIS for that particular academic category.

2. I have been accepted into a new program which begins autumn quarter, but I'm going home for the summer. Can I use my current immigration document to travel and then request a new one when I return?
   

   Before you leave for the summer, you should request and obtain a new I-20 or DS-2019 to reflect your change of major. Since you will be returning for Fall quarter to pursue a different program of study, you will need to travel with a new I-20 that reflects the new program.