F-1 Change of Education Level
International students in F-1 status must always maintain accurate academic information in their SEVIS record and Form I-20. If you plan to change your education level at UIC, notify the Office of International Services by submitting a request to change your degree level so that we may update your SEVIS record and I-20 accordingly. This includes students who progress from a non-degree to a degree level stage of their contract program, students who graduate and continue to a higher level degree program at UIC, and students who wish to study two degree programs concurrently.
Please note that OIS cannot update your SEVIS record or print an I-20 reflecting the new academic information until you have been admitted to the new program and the admission is reflected in the university system.
Steps to request a change of education level on your I-20 Heading link
Select your current education level to view your steps and required documents.
Graduate Level Students
- Inform the Graduate College and complete their Change of Degree Program Form.
- Submit the Change of Degree Level E-Form in myOIS. This can only be done after the change of degree program has been completed within the Graduate College. If you are advancing to a higher degree level, you will need to submit evidence of funding for one academic year in your new program along with the change of degree level request.
- Collect and sign your new I-20. When the change of degree level request is complete, OIS will contact you with options for receiving your new I-20. You may now begin studies in your new academic program.
Undergraduate Students
- Apply to the new program through the Office of Admissions.
- Submit the Change of Degree Level E-Form in myOIS. This can only be done after the change of degree program has been completed within the university system. If you are advancing to a higher degree level, you will need to submit evidence of funding for one academic year in your new program along with the change of degree level request.
- Collect and sign your new I-20. When the change of degree level request is complete, OIS will contact you with options for receiving your new I-20. You may now begin studies in your new academic program.
FAQs Heading link
Here are some frequently asked questions about the F-1 change of education level process.
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How long will the process of changing the education level on my I-20 take?
In short, students should submit the Change of Degree Level E-Form to OIS no less than one month prior to the to the semester when the change will go in effect. Since a completed request includes confirmation that the student has been admitted to the new program, students must also consider the time is take to apply to the new program.
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Why do I have to submit evidence of funding?
Often a change in degree level implies that you will need additional time to complete the new program beyond what is currently listed on your I-20. In this case you must show that you have the financial means to support yourself during this extended period of study.