Changing Programs at JHU

F-1 students admitted to another JHU school or admitted to a new program within the same JHU school, must request a Change of Level or Intercampus Transfer from OIS in a timely manner in order to maintain their valid immigration status.   

If you are transferring to another school outside of JHU refer to the instructions here.

Eligibility for Change of Level or Intercampus Transfer

To be eligible, students must meet the following general criteria: 

• Must be maintaining their F-1 status 
• Must be admitted to a new JHU school/program 
• Must submit a complete Change of Level/Intercampus Transfer eForm through iHopkins no later than 60 days following the last date of enrollment in the original program at JHU or within 60 days of the end of JHU-sponsored OPT 
• The new program must start within 5 months of the current program or OPT end date 

Change of Level vs. Intercampus Transfer

A Change of Level is typically when both of your degrees are in the same JHU school or campus [for example, completing a Bachelor’s degree in the Whiting School of Engineering and starting a Master’s degree also in the Whiting School of Engineering.] 

Students completing a Master’s degree in the Bloomberg School of Public Health and starting a PhD in School of Medicine or School of Nursing and vice versa will also follow change of level process. 

An Intercampus Transfer may apply when your degrees are in different JHU schools [for example, completing a Master’s degree at Whiting School of Engineering and starting a PhD degree in School of Medicine.] 

See the chart below to determine if your original program and new program are on different SEVIS campuses. If yes, then select “Transferring to a new school within JHU” on the Change of Level/Intercampus eForm in iHopkins.

SEVIS Campus	Homewood	Carey	JHMI	SAIS	Peabody
JHU Schools	Advanced Academic Programs (AAP), Krieger School of Arts & Sciences (KSAS),   Whiting School of Engineering (WSE), School of Education (SOE)	Carey Business School	Bloomberg School of Public Health (BSPH), School of Medicine (SOM), School of Nursing (SON)	School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)	Peabody Institute

When transferring from one JHU school to another for F-1 purposes, you must choose a SEVIS Transfer Date. This can be the day after your original program ends or before the end of your 60-day grace period. See Important Deadlines below for more information.  

Important Deadlines for Change of Level and Intercampus Transfers

Change of Level and Intercampus Transfer students must submit requests in the appropriate timeframe to transition from one program to another. Contact OIS with individual timeline questions. Please keep the following dates in mind: 

Program End Date: The program end date can be found on page 1 of the I-20. Your I-20 may have an estimated end date. Your actual program end date will be the final day of enrollment in your final semester of study.   

60-Day Grace Period: The SEVIS record must be updated to your new program before the end of your 60-day grace period following the final day of enrollment in the original program. 

Students on OPT/STEM OPT: Your new program I-20 must be issued no later than 60 days after your OPT end date OR before you reach the maximum number of unemployment days, whichever is earlier. 

When to submit your request: 

• We recommend applying for your new I-20 during the final semester of your current program 
• You must receive your new I-20 before the end of your 60-day grace period and before starting the new program
  • Example: If your last day of classes/exams in your original program is May 12, the latest date to receive your new program I-20 is July 11 
• You should submit the Change of Level/Intercampus Transfer eForm as soon as your plans are confirmed and you have the necessary documents. You must submit your Change of Level/Intercampus Transfer eForm through iHopkins at least 10 business days before your deadline for I-20 issuance [see above]
  

Check-In Requirement and Work Authorization Guidance 

Check-In is required at the start of your new program 

• All Change of Level and Intercampus Transfer students must complete the OIS check-in process no later than 30 days after starting the new degree program. Depending on your travel or on-campus employment plans, we strongly recommend completing check-in prior to your new program start date  

Impact on Work Authorization

• Off-campus work always requires additional work authorization such as CPT or OPT.  If you hope to work off-campus between your JHU degree programs, you will likely need to apply for OPT BEFORE you apply for your new program I-20. Please contact an OIS advisor about the OPT process prior to submitting the Change of Level/Intercampus Transfer form 
• Usually, CPT cannot be authorized in between two programs. It may be possible to engage in CPT after starting your new degree program. However, this is determined by both your individual immigration situation and what your program will allow. Please reach out to OIS regarding your specific situation 
• You may work on-campus at JHU between the end of your previous program and before the start of your new program. However, you must receive your new program I-20 and then complete the OIS check-in prior to working. Check with your hiring department to confirm their requirements 

Students currently on OPT/STEM OPT planning to start a new program at JHU

• Your OPT/STEM OPT authorization will end on the date listed below, so please plan accordingly. If you expect a tight timeline between the end of your OPT and the start of your new program, please contact OIS. Advisors can help you plan accordingly 
  • Change of Level: When you reach your new program start date OR when you complete OIS check-in, whichever is earlier 
  • Intercampus Transfer: On your SEVIS Transfer Date – make sure you select a SEVIS Transfer Date AFTER your last day of employment on OPT 
• It is important to complete any outstanding OPT Reporting or STEM OPT Reporting prior to requesting your Change of Level or Intercampus Transfer  
   

Application Process

1. Obtain admission to the new JHU program. OIS must confirm your admission to your new program in SIS prior to processing your new I-20 
2. Submit the Change of Level/Intercampus Transfer Form in iHopkins. To submit your request: 
   • Go to http://ihopkins.jhu.edu 
   • Login with your active JHED ID and password 
   • Once logged in, click on “F-1 Student Services” in the menu on the left, then click on “Change of Level/Intercampus Transfer Form” 
   • Select either: 
     • “Changing to a new degree level within the same JHU school” or 
     • “Transferring to a new school within JHU”. If transferring to a new JHU school, you will need to enter a SEVIS transfer date. After your SEVIS transfer date OIS will be able to issue your new program I-20  
3. You are required to upload proof of financial support for one academic year of your program. Refer to our New Students page to see current estimated expenses your new program. Requirements for acceptable financial documents can be found here
4. Complete OIS check-in upon starting the new degree level. Depending on your travel or employment plans, it may be appropriate to complete check-in prior to your program start date. Contact an OIS advisor for individual timeline questions

International Travel Between Programs

• Review the OIS webpages on Travel and Visa Renewal [if applicable] 
• Students with a Change of Level or Transfer-Pending I-20 may travel outside the US and re-enter as long as you have a valid F-1 visa in your passport. You don’t need your new I-20 to depart the US, but you will need it for re-entry. You may re-enter the U.S. anytime between degree programs [you are not limited to entering 30 days prior to the new program start date] 
• A travel signature is not required when OIS issues the Change of Level or Transfer Pending I-20, and it is not necessary when entering for the first term of your new I-20. After you arrive and your check-in is approved, a travel signature will be required for returning from subsequent trips outside the U.S.

Frequently Asked Questions