International Student Services

Maintaining your Form I-20

[All information is subject to change without notice.]

F-1 regulations require students to possess valid, correct 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: ..more

Change of finances: ..more

Adding dependents: ..more

Change of major: ..more

Change of level: ..more

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

You are moving academically from one educational level to another, such as from Master’s to Doctorate. In order to maintain your visa status, you must obtain the new I-20 within 30 days after classes begin in the semester of the new program.

You are completing the degree requirements of one degree program and beginning another at the same educational level. You must apply for a new I-20 by the end of the 60-day grace period occurring after graduation. As there is no graduation date in summer, if you are completing your degree requirements during a summer session you must apply for the new I-20 within 60 days of end of that semester. Once you have the new I-20 you may remain in the US until the new program starts, up to five months later, or travel and return for the new program.

You are ending OPT and starting a new degree program. If you are completing OPT, you must apply for a new I-20 by the end of the 60-day 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. (hide)

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

Adding employment authorizations for CPT and OPT: See Employment

Proof of Funds

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

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. For a current student I-20, 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.

Amount of Funding Required: ..more

Please find below the information that matches your situation.*

GRADUATE 2009-10		UNDERGRADUATE 2009-10
Standard		Standard
(Non-resident tuition rate)		(Non-resident tuition rate)
Tuition	$17,225	Tuition	$20,550
Living Expenses	12,260	Living Expenses	12,260
Insurance/Books	1,100	Insurance/Books	1,100
Total	$30,585	Total	$33,910

TA/RA for fall & spring or scholarship		Scholarship of at least $1000 per year
(Resident tuition rate)		(Resident tuition rate)
Tuition	$ 9,600	Tuition	$ 9,750
Living Expenses	12,260	Living Expenses	12,260
Insurance/Books	1,100	Insurance/Books	1,100
Total	$22,960	Total	$23,110

TA/RA for fall, spring & summer
(Resident tuition rate)
Tuition	$ 14,400
Living Expenses	12,260
Insurance/Books	1,100
Total	$27,760

Any student adding a spouse – Add $5000
Any student adding children – Add $3000 per child

* There are some students whose situations are not reflected here, for example students who have a TA for only one semester of the academic year. If your situation differs from above, feel free to contact an international student advisor for assistance in determining the funding amount required. (hide)

QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions regarding the information on this webpage, feel free to contact an international student advisor. You can do so by emailing issocurrent@utdallas.edu, setting a phone or in-person appointment by calling 972-883-4189 or in person during walk-in hours (M-TH 10:30-5:00, F 10:30-4:00).

Updated: May 13, 2009