# Changing or Adding an Academic Program

**Source**: https://bechtel.stanford.edu/navigate-international-life/visas/f-1-and-j-1-student-visas/changing-or-adding-academic-program
**Parent**: https://bechtel.stanford.edu/navigate-international-life

[Log into our immigration portal](https://bechtelconnect.stanford.edu/)

Students with an F-1 or J-1 visa who want to make changes to their degree programs must meet with a student advisor at Bechtel and request a new I-20 or DS-2019 in Bechtel Connect.  This applies to students who are:

- Changing degree levels
- Changing departments
- Adding a new degree program
- Adding a second major
- Adding a co-term program

This is not an automatic process. Students must request a new I-20 or DS-2019

## How to Request a New I-20/DS-2019

To request a new I-20 or DS-2019 reflecting changes in degree level, department, or degree program, [submit a completed I-20 or DS-2019 request online](https://bechtelconnect.stanford.edu/)  in Bechtel Connect along with required proof of funding at least two weeks before the new program begins.

- If you are planning to start a new degree program after **completing** the degree program currently noted on your document please submit a New Degree Level request in [Bechtel Connect](https://bechtelconnect.stanford.edu/) at least two weeks before completing your current program.
- If you are planning to start a new degree program after **discontinuing** the degree program currently noted on your document, submit a Program Information Update request in [Bechtel Connect](https://bechtelconnect.stanford.edu/) at least two weeks before discontinuing your current program.
- If you are adding a second major or a pursuing dual degree program, submit a Program Information Update request in [Bechtel Connect](https://bechtelconnect.stanford.edu/).

### Application Process

1. Speak with your advisor/department for approval.
2. Submit your Change of Degree Level (F-1 or J-1) request through [Bechtel Connect](https://bechtelconnect.stanford.edu/).

- You must include documentation showing proof of funding for your new/changed program. See [F or J Visa Financial Budgets](https://bechtel.stanford.edu/navigate-international-life/visas/f-1-and-j-1-student-visas/f-or-j-visa-financial-budgets) for funding amounts and [Proof of Funding](https://bechtel.stanford.edu/acceptable-proof-funding) for documentation requirements. Your request will first be routed to your academic advisor for approval.

3. Once submitted, let your advisor know that your request is awaiting their online approval.
4. After your advisor or student services representative approves your request, it will be automatically forwarded to Bechtel, and the status will change to "submitted".

Bechtel’s processing time for the request is one to two weeks.

## Coterm Students

- Please see Bechtel's [Coterm page](https://bechtel.stanford.edu/coterm-0)

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