Degree Level Change at UC San Diego

In order to be eligible to request a Change of Program Level I-20, you must meet all of the following requirements: 

• Maintain your current visa status. 
• Complete degree requirements for current degree level (unless enrolling in a joint program).
• Acceptance into a higher degree level at UC San Diego
  • Must have confirmed acceptance into a higher degree level at UC San Diego with the Department and the Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs.
  • Must begin full-time enrollment in your new degree level within 5 months of your true program end/program completion date.

F-1 students must request the Change of Program Level at least 10 business days before the end of their 60-day grace period.

Students on F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT):

• You must begin full-time enrollment in your new degree level within 5 months of your OPT authorization end date.
• If your OPT authorization ends after the start date of your new degree level program, then your OPT authorization will automatically end the day before the quarter start date of your new program.
• Students currently on approved OPT or STEM OPT and changing degree level into the Summer Session Visiting Program should follow the steps on our Summer Session Visiting Program page. 

Submit a "Change of Program Level I-20/DS-2019 Request" on iPortal.

• Upload a PDF copy of your UCSD Admission or Petition Letter showing acceptance to higher program level.
• Upload a PDF copy of your bank statement(s) or financial support letter(s) to show funding for the first 9 months of your higher program level.
• Your new I-20 reflecting the program level change and new program start and end dates will be issued within 10 business days. 
• You will be notified via email when the request is complete.
• Print and sign the I-20, and keep a copy for your own records.

Off-Campus Employment:

F-1 students need to apply for F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization in order to work off-campus during the break before your graduate program starts, including for unpaid volunteer work.

Your OPT will be completed on the expiration of your OPT EAD card or on the program start date of your new higher degree level, whichever is earlier.

SEVIS (the Student & Exchange Visitor Information System) registration is generally completed up to two weeks prior to the start of the new program start date. If you are unclear on when the change of program level I-20 will deactivate your OPT, consult with an international student advisor. 

On-Campus Employment:

F-1 students do not need work authorization for on-campus employment during the break between degree levels.

Travel:

If you are planning to travel internationally during the break in between your two degree levels, you will need to use your higher level I-20 to re-enter the US along with a valid F-1 visa and valid passport.

Other Impacts:

Take into consideration the impact your break between degrees may have on your housing, health insurance, access to campus services and more. You are strongly encouraged to have adequate health insurance during your stay in the U.S. Learn more about Student Health Insurance after Graduation.