/Office of Global Affairs
Visa and Immigration Services

Major & Academic Program Updates

Your J-1 status is based on the program listed on your Form DS-2019.
If you add or change your major or academic focus, you must update your SEVIS record within 21 days of the change being approved.

You do not need U.S. government approval to change your major or academic program. However, your Form DS-2019 must always reflect your current program.

Important: Your major/program has implications for Academic Training opportunities. Make sure your Form DS-2019 is accurate at all times.

Undergraduate Students

  • Your academic changes are reported automatically through the university system.
  • VIS will update your SEVIS record after your major change is approved.
  • You will receive a new Form DS-2019 for changes to your major.
  • You will receive instructions by email within 3 weeks to access your updated Form DS-2019 in accessVIS.
  • Contact VIS if you do not receive an update within 3 weeks

Review the University guidelines for declaring or changing a major or minor

Graduate Students

In some cases, you may need to update the academic program on your Form DS-2019. This change must be carefully reviewed to make sure it still matches your original program goals.

When a Change May Be Appropriate
You may request a change if:

  • Your original Subject/Field code listed on your DS-2019 was not the best match for your area of study
  • Your academic field is classified differently at another university (for example, biochemistry may be in biology or chemistry depending on the school)
  • Your research or project has developed and now requires work in a closely related field

Important Guidelines

  • Your new academic program must remain closely related to your original program objective
  • Your program sponsor must determine that the change is appropriate and consistent with your program
  • VIS will keep a written record explaining the reason for the change

Additional Considerations

  • If you have a financial sponsor, you may need their approval before making any changes
  • Your exchange agreement or program requirements may limit whether a change is allowed
  • Changing your academic program may affect whether you are subject to the two-year home residency requirement.

Next Steps
If you are considering a change, contact your VIS advisor before proceeding with the change to ensure you remain in compliance with J-1 regulations.