How does the change of status from F-1 to F-1 in another program work?

When you decide to switch from one study program to another while maintaining F-1 status, it is basically an academic transfer that requires updating your record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and issuing a new Form I-20 by the new course or institution. This change of status within the scope of the F-1 visa does not involve switching to a different visa, but rather continuing your status as a student, with the proper update of your academic information.

The first step is to gain admission to the new academic program. After that, the institution you choose will need to issue a new I-20, which is the essential document to prove that you are entering a study program in the United States.

It is crucial that your transfer and the new I-20 are processed in SEVIS, the system used by the U.S. government to monitor international students. In some cases, the transfer can be done directly between institutions, provided there is an agreement or understanding between them. In other cases, you will need to formally request the transfer of your record and then initiate the issuance of the new I-20.

If you are in the United States, it is usually not necessary to leave the country to make this change, as maintaining F-1 status can be done by updating your documentation with the new course. However, if there is any complication or if you choose to carry out the process from outside the United States, the rules may vary somewhat.

Therefore, it is important to check the specific procedures with the destination institution and, if necessary, with immigration authorities. It is worth remembering that it is essential to follow all current immigration laws, avoid false promises of miraculous solutions, and be cautious of scams or marketing campaigns that guarantee results without legal backing. Seeking information directly from official sources and, if possible, consulting reliable professionals or organizations can help you navigate this process safely.

Maintaining the regularity of your status is the key to a smooth academic journey in the United States. Therefore, make sure that all steps are properly completed, avoiding unnecessary risks during your stay in the country.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.