Change of MajorIf you change your major, you should make sure your I-20 is updated. Our information system should pick up that change automatically, and make the change in SEVIS as well, but you’ll still need to request a new I-20. Also, this is an opportunity to check whether you are still on track to graduate. Consult your new academic advisor when you change majors to see if you’ll need more time than your current I-20 allows. If so, bring a letter from the advisor stating how much time you’ll need at normal progress of 12 hours (Undergraduate) or 9 hours (Graduate) per long semester. Within limits, the OIP can grant I-20 extensions for changes of major.
Change of LevelIf you complete a program of study, and want to begin another program at UTEP, you will need a new I-20. Of course, you must first be admitted to the new program. An updated proof of financial resources is also required in most cases (CFR and/or PASE). You must receive the new I-20 within 60 days of your previous program’s end date (if you didn’t request OPT) or the end of your OPT. Once you have been admitted & proven the required financial documents, a new I-20 can be generated. If it is your first time studying as a graduate student, or you are progressing from a Master’s to a PhD program, the new I-20 will be created by the Graduate School. If you are continuing on to a second Bachelor’s degree or a 2nd Master’s degree, the I-20 should be requested from the Office of International Programs. If you are starting a 2nd Bachelor’s degree, you will need a new I-20. However, since you are continuing at the same level of study, you do not have to complete a new financial resources or PASE application unless you have been away from UTEP for over a year. REMEMBER: Post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) is automatically cancelled if you start another level of study (either higher or lower)! If you continue to study at the same level, you may retain your OPT, but should only enroll part time, since yourprimary activity is still employment. In this case, you should not request a new I-20 until your OPT is over.
Change of FundingIf the way you pay for your education changes, you should request that your I-20 be updated appropriately by the Office of International Programs. For example, let’s say that your family was fully funding your education, but you have now received an academic scholarship. You should bring proof of the scholarship award to our office and submit it with an I-20 request form so that we may update your I-20.
Office of International Programs |