F‑1 students who complete a degree at Ohio State and are subsequently admitted to a new degree level at Ohio State (ex. bachelor’s to master’s) must receive a Change of Educational Level I‑20 reflecting the new program.
When a change of educational level I‑20 is required
You must request a new I‑20 if either of the following applies:
- Completing one degree level and starting another at a different level
(ex. finishing a bachelor’s degree and beginning a master’s degree).- Your new program must begin at the next available session start date and within five months of completing your current program (whichever comes first).
- You must obtain the new I‑20 within the 60‑day grace period after completing your current program or before the new program begins, whichever comes first.
- Ending OPT or STEM OPT and starting a new degree program at Ohio State
- You must obtain the new I‑20 within the 60‑day grace period after your OPT end date.
- Your new program must begin at the next available session start date (autumn or spring) and within five months of your last day of OPT employment (whichever comes first).
- If your authorized OPT end date is after the start date of the new program, your OPT will automatically end on the new program start date.
Undergraduate students admitted to a master’s or PhD program
Once Graduate Admissions completes the financial review for your graduate program, they will provide the required information to the Office of International Affairs (OIA) to process your Change of Educational Level I‑20. OIA will contact you when processing begins.
To avoid delays in processing your graduate-level I-20, make sure all required admissions materials are complete, including the Visa Request Form, proof of funding, and passport, etc...
Master’s students admitted to a PhD program
You must work with your prospective PhD department and the Graduate School to complete the admission process. After the academic transfer is approved, the Graduate School will notify OIA. OIA will then contact you (and your academic department, if needed) to request proof of funding for the PhD I‑20.
If your admission to the PhD program is already reflected in Buckeyelink, contact an OIA immigration specialist to initiate the Change of Educational Level I-20 process.