Change of Major or Change of Degree Level
Notify the OIS if there are any changes to your academic information, such as a change in major or degree level.
Undergraduate Students: When you have been given final approval that you have been admitted into your new program, you must request a new Form I-20 or DS-2019 from OIS. To request your new I-20 or DS-2019, come to OIS with:
- updated proof of funding for at least one academic year
- a completed Student Request Form
- a letter from your academic advisor stating that you have been admitted into the new program
Graduate Students: When the Graduate College has given final approval that you have been admitted into your new program, you must request a new Form I-20 or DS-2019 from OIS. To request your new I-20/DS-2019, come to OIS with:
- updated proof of funding for at least one academic year
- a completed Student Request Form
- a completed Change of Graduate Program Form
OIS will process a new I-20 or DS-2019 for you with the updated information. Allow two weeks for your updated document.
Leave of Absence
Any student requesting a leave of absence should first meet with an International Student Advisor. Any leave from the university can have an impact on your immigration record.
Registration
F-1 and J-1 students must maintain their legal immigration status at all times. Maintaining status is necessary in order to receive the benefits of F-1 and J-1 status. United States immigration law places responsibility on the individual student to know and follow all relevant immigration regulations. Failure to maintain your non-immigrant status can result in serious consequences with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
Please read the information and contact OIS with any questions you may have regarding the following regulations.
- It is required by law that you check-in with OIS when you first arrive at UIC, whether this is your first time in the U.S., or if you are transferring from another U.S. institution.
- Registration requirements:
- Always maintain full-time enrollment during the Fall and Spring semesters.
Full time at UIC means:
| Credit hours |
Description |
| 8 credit hours |
Graduate students, excluding Professional programs, who are awarded a 50% assistantship (Please note that graduate students need to register for 9 credit hours to be eligible for the CTA U-Pass. You may refer to the Graduate College website for more information on registration.) |
| 9 credit hours |
All other graduate students |
| 12 credit hours |
All undergraduate students, Professional program (DDS, DPT and Pharm D) students, and students who are awarded a fellowship or Graduate College tuition and service-fee waiver (without an assistantship) |
- Registration for the summer semester is not required for students who are continuing their program and have registered the following fall semester. (Students on 12 month programs must be registered for all 12 months.) Students who will complete their program in summer must be registered for summer.
- Online Courses: International Students with F-1 or J-1 visas may only take one on-line class (up to 3 credits) and have it count towards their full course of study requirement. If you only need one course to finish your program of study, it cannot be taken through on-line/distance education. There must be a physical presence requirement for the course. You may take additional on-line courses during the semester once your full course of study requirement is met.
- Students who begin their program in the Summer semester must register for a full-course of study, which is 5 credit hours as defined by the Graduate College. For Professional programs and undergraduate programs, full-time in summer is defined as 6 credits.
- Students can register for less than full time only during their last semester. You will need to provide a letter from your department verifying that it is your last semester