Embedded Files
During your time as an F-1 student, your record must be updated with the Department of Homeland Security. ISS can help you ensure your record is updated, but it is your responsibility to inform ISS of changes promptly. You must report the following changes to ISS within ten days:
Change in U.S. residential address
Change in permanent foreign address
Your phone number
Change to your legal name in your passport
Update of employment status or employer information
Submit the Address Change Report for F-1 Students on myHilltop or email ISS at iss@stedwards.edu to report changes.
Some updates must be reported to the Department of Homeland Security through SEVIS and must be changed on your I-20. Please tell ISS about these changes and request a new I-20. Keep all of your I-20s, even after you graduate or transfer schools. Do not throw them away, because ISS does not keep them forever, and you may need them later for immigration purposes.
Program Extension
Program Extension
If you are unable to complete your course of study before the completion date noted in item 5 on your I-20, you must request an extended I-20 before your current I-20 expires. If you are unable to complete your program by the completion date listed in Item 5 on your I-20, you must contact ISS as early as possible.
Under updated F-1 regulations, needing additional time to complete your program may require additional review and is not automatically approved. Students who need to extend their stay may need to complete additional steps with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Do not wait until your I-20 expiration date is approaching. If you think you may need additional time to complete your program:
Meet with your academic advisor to review your graduation timeline.
Contact ISS early to discuss your options
Submit the I-20 Extension Request Form on myHilltop to request the extension.
Changing Schools
Changing Schools
Because St. Edward’s issued your I-20 and manages your SEVIS record, you must maintain your F-1 status while enrolled at St. Edward’s and continue meeting enrollment requirements.
If you are considering transferring to another school, contact ISS before submitting applications, changing your enrollment, or making transfer plans.
Under updated F-1 regulations, additional restrictions may apply to transfers, including limitations based on your academic level and time spent at your current institution. ISS will help you understand the requirements and timing for your specific situation.
Change of Level
Change of Level
If you complete your current program and plan to continue at St. Edward’s in a different program or educational level (for example, moving from a Bachelor’s degree program to a Master’s degree program), you must contact ISS before your current program ends.
Your immigration record and I-20 must be updated to reflect your new program. Under updated F-1 regulations, changes in educational level may require additional review or steps to continue your stay in the United States.
Submit the F-1 Change of Level form on myHilltop to inform ISS.
Change of Major
Change of Major
If you change your major or educational objective (for example, changing from History to Biology), you must contact ISS before making the change.
Under updated F-1 regulations, changes to your major or program of study may require additional review and may affect your immigration timeline. Do not change your major, add a new program, or make significant academic changes without first consulting ISS.
If approved, ISS will update your SEVIS record and issue an updated I-20 when required.
Change of Funding
Change of Funding
If there is a substantial change in the source or amount of your funding, report this change to ISS, and a new I-20 will be issued to you.
Name Change
Name Change
The name on your I-20 should match the name on your passport. If you change any part of your legal name—first/given name, middle name, or last/family name—on your passport, this change should be reflected on your I-20. Conversely, if you want a different name on your I-20, ISS will wait for you to change your passport first before updating the I-20. Note that SEVIS is a separate database from the St. Edward’s database.
Failure to report your information could result in the automatic termination of your I-20 SEVIS record by the Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) without warning. If your I-20 SEVIS record is terminated while you are still in the U.S., you may begin to accrue days of unlawful presence.
Disclaimer: The ISS staff will provide regulatory and practice information related to F and J status, as it stands at the time of the consultation. Regulatory content is designed for SEU students and is not intended to constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for legal counsel.
Disclaimer: The ISS staff will provide regulatory and practice information related to F and J status, as it stands at the time of the consultation. Regulatory content is designed for SEU students and is not intended to constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for legal counsel.
Page updated
Report abuse