Maintain Your Form I-20

F-1 regulations require students to possess valid, up-to-date Form I-20s. There are a variety of situations that may arise that require a student to update the information on his or her I-20.

Official Change of Name

If your name has officially changed, you must report that change to the UT Dallas ISSO and update your Form I-20. Submit a Request for New I-20 form with a copy of the ID page of your passport showing the new name. For all of your school records to match, you will need to submit a copy of the new passport to the Registrar’s Office, as well.

Change of Finances

You may update the finances portion of your Form I-20 at any time. Submit a Request for New I-20 form, a completed UT Dallas Financial Affidavit and proof of funds. See the Proof of Funds section below for the amount of funds needed for the I-20.

Adding Dependents

You may add dependents (spouse and/or children) to your Form I-20. You will submit proof of finances showing sufficient funds for yourself plus $5,000 for a spouse and $3,000 for each child. See the Proof of Funds section below to determine the amount of funds needed for the I-20.

Contact an international student advisor for more information regarding dependent issues, such as change of status or obtaining an F-2 visa.

Change of Major

If your academic major is changing and a new I-20 is required, it will be issued by the UT Dallas ISSO after classes begin in the semester of the new major. You will be sent an e-mail when the I-20 is ready to be picked up.

Change of Level

If you fit in one of the following situations, you must acquire a new Form I-20 to maintain your visa status:

Moving from one educational level to another, such as from Master’s to Doctorate. You must apply for the new I-20 within 30 days after classes begin in the semester of the new program.
Completing one degree and starting another - Apply for a new I-20 within 60 days after graduation (summer- within 60 days of end of semester). Start classes within five months. Remain in U.S. or travel on the new I-20.
Completing OPT and starting a new degree. Apply for a new I-20 within 60 days grace period occurring after the OPT end date. Please be aware that creation of the new I-20 ends any remaining OPT so you will want to work with the ISSO to produce the I-20 after your last day of OPT employment.

To obtain a change of level Form I-20, submit a Request for New I-20 form, a UT Dallas Financial Affidavit and proof of funding to the UT Dallas ISSO. See the Proof of Funds section below for the amount of funds needed for the I-20.

Processing times for change of level I-20s vary. If the new educational level begins in a future semester, the I-20 will be issued after the current semester ends. If the new educational level has already begun, the processing time is five business days.

Extending the I-20 end date: See Extension of Stay.

Proof of Funds

A new I-20 requires proof of funds sufficient for one year of estimated expenses.

For funding amounts, see page one of the UT Dallas Financial Affidavit.
The funds can be from your personal accounts, UT Dallas, a family member or a sponsor.
Other than funds provided by the school, funds must be liquid and readily accessible; no stock, land titles, etc.
Financial statements must be recent, dated within the last six months. Copies and Internet statements are acceptable.
Students who wish to include a scholarship or TA/RA funds on the I-20 must provide a copy of the scholarship or TA/RA letter.

If you have questions about obtaining a new I-20, please contact an international student advisor.