Academic Program Changes (Major, Minor, Program & Level)

F-1 Students:

ISSS recommends that students discuss academic program changes with their ISSS advisor in advance. ISSS staff can advise students about how these changes may affect their F-1 immigration status including nonimmigrant benefits they may be eligible for in the future.

J-1 Students:

Before making any change to their academic program, J-1 students must discuss the change with their Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO). J-1 students who are sponsored by Emory, should contact their A/RO (ISSS advisor). Students sponsored by another organization (i.e. Fulbright) should contact their program sponsor.

J-1 Change in Program Objective

Certain types of academic changes may be considered a change in program objective. If not approved by the US Department of State in advance, a change in objective is considered a violation of a student's J-1 status.

These program changes are considered changes in program objective:

• Changing from non-degree to degree-seeking
• Changing from degree-seeking to non-degree
• Reverse matriculation (i.e. changing from doctorate to master's degree)

Note: Matriculation, the movement of a college or university student from one educational level to a higher level, does not require US Department of State approval.

J-1 students who want to change their program objective will need to apply for a J-1 change of category and pay a non-refundable fee to the US government. The student will need to prove to the US Department of State that the change is "necessary due to unusual or exceptional circumstances." J-1 category changes are rarely approved.

Overview

At Emory, when a student adds or drops a major or minor and the change is recorded in the university information system (OPUS), ISSS receives an electronic notification in ISSS Link. ISSS staff members review these changes and update students' SEVIS records per federal regulations. No action is needed by the student as ISSS will update the SEVIS record in accordance with federal regulations automatically. However, students should request an updated document if the academic change will be reflected on the I-20/DS-2019 (i.e. a major change).

Procedure for F-1 Students

F-1 students who have changed their major in OPUS may request a new I-20 by logging into ISSS Link and completing the "I-20 Update/Replacement Request" e-form. This e-form can be used when a major is first declared, a second major is added, or a major is dropped (i.e. removed from a student's academic program). Students do not need to submit an e-form when there is a change in minor as it is not reflected on the I-20.

Procedure for J-1 Students

Before making any change to their academic program, J-1 students should discuss the change with their Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO). See "Getting Started" (above) for more information. 

Overview

Students who have been admitted to another degree program at Emory (including programs at a new degree level) must request a new I-20/DS-2019 in a timely manner. To be eligible for a change of program/level, the student must meet the following requirements:

• Has maintained F-1/J-1 status and is currently in the US in valid status
• Has a current I-94 record showing duration of status (D/S)
• Will start the program during the next academic semester
• Able to provide the following supporting documentation:
  1. Financial Documentation
     • I-20/DS-2019 Estimated Expenses for all Emory programs
     • Financial Requirements and Sponsor Form
  2. J-1 Students Only:
     • Admission letter or other proof of admission to the new program
     • Proof of continuing health insurance coverage for the student and any J-2 dependents  

Procedure for F-1 Students

1. Log in to ISSS Link and submit the "Change of Program I-20 Request." In the e-form, the student will be asked to upload copies of their current immigration documents and financial documentation.
2. The student's ISSS advisor will review the request within five business days and contact the student with any questions. If approved, the student will receive an e-mail letting them know that their new I-20 is ready.

Procedure for J-1 Students

Before making any change to their academic program, J-1 students should discuss the change with their Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO). See "Getting Started" (above) for more information. 

For J-1 Students Sponsored by Emory:

If the change is possible (i.e. the student is matriculating, moving from one educational level to a higher level), the student should provide the supporting documentation listed above (admission letter, copies of current immigration documents, financial documentation, and proof of health insurance) to their ISSS advisor. Once processed, the ISSS advisor will e-mail the student and provide them with a new DS-2019.