International Student Services
International Division

Change your Education Level as an F-1 student

If you are a current UW–Madison student in F-1 status and you have been admitted to a new educational program at UW–Madison, you need to complete a change of education level form.

Change Education Level

  1. Check your eligibility. You must: 
    • Be in valid F-1 status at UW-Madison 
    • Be formally admitted to a new program of study at UW-Madison 
    • Request the change of education level within 60 days of the following: 
      • Current students: completing your current program
      • OPT/STEM students: the expiration of your EAD or before you exceed the maximum unemployment days, whichever comes first 
    • Your new program of study must start within 5 months of the following: 
      • Current students: completing your current program  
      • OPT/STEM students: the expiration of your EAD or before you exceed the maximum unemployment days, whichever comes first  
  2. Apply for Change of Education Level in Terra Dotta: 
    1. Complete the Change of Education Level form 
  3. ISS will create your Change of Education Level I-20 once you have completed your current program of study and your new level is listed in Student Information System (SIS) 

Summer in Between Programs

  • You can travel internationally during the change of education level process. 
  • You must have your I-20 for the new program when you re-enter the U.S. 
  • You can return to the U.S. once you have your I-20 for your new program. You do not need to wait until 30 days before the program start date. 
  • If your F-1 visa has not expired, you can use it to re-enter the U.S. You do not need to apply for a new visa when you change education levels. 
  • If you complete the change of education level process within the required time frame, you are allowed to stay in the U.S. during the summer. You do not need to depart the U.S. 
  • Off-campus work eligibility (CPT) at the current degree level ends on the date that the change of education level occurs. 
  • Continuing students are eligible to work on campus after they have their new I-20. 
  • OPT/STEM extension students are eligible to work on OPT/STEM until the expiration date on the EAD or the date their change of education level is processed, whichever is first. 
  • After changing education levels, students must show their new I-20 to their on-campus employer to update their employment records. 

Common Questions

This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.

When can I submit my change of education level request to ISS?

  • You can submit your change of education level request when you are admitted to your new program 
  • The change of education level must be processed by ISS before the end of your current education level 60-day grace period. 

When will my I-20 be ready?

Your I-20 can be issued once all these conditions are met: 

  • You have submitted a complete change of education level request, and 
  • Your new program appears in the student information system, and 
  • Your current education level has ended. 

Please allow for normal ISS processing times. 

How much funding do I need to show?

Please use the Estimated expenses in Terra Dotta to calculate your funding needs. 

What are the benefits of changing my education level?

  • You do not need to pay the SEVIS fee again. 
  • You can stay in the U.S. or travel internationally during the change of education level process. 
  • You can return to the U.S. more than 30 days before your program starts. Check the information on your new I-20; it should have a new start date, list your new program and say “continued attendance.” You will need a travel signature in order to return. 

Can I stay in the U.S. during the summer?

Yes. If you have maintained your F-1 status and have been approved for the change of education level, you can stay in the U.S. 

Am I required to complete International Student Orientation (ISO) & ISS Check-in again?

Yes. Students who have completed a Change of Education Level are required to complete ISO & ISS Check-in to learn the requirements of their new degree level. 

Is this all I need to do to change my education level?

This information is related to your immigration status only. Please follow your new program’s instructions to meet any academic requirements.