Changing Your Program
As a J-1 student, you must notify ISSS if you are planning to change your degree level or major.
If you are planning to move to a higher degree level (e.g. moving from a Bachelor's degree to a Master's degree) within the same field of study, a new DS-2019 must issued by ISSS.
Eligibility
In order to request that a new DS-2019 be issued for this purpose, you must:
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Have maintained and currently be in proper J-1 immigration status (as described in the requirements to maintain status section)
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Have "D/S" written on your I-94 form (the small white card usually attached in the passport);
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Provide documentation of sufficient financial support and a letter of admission;
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Start the academic program in the next available term.
Procedure
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Step 1: Drop off the following documents at ISSS:
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Photocopy of the admission letter;
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Photocopy of proof of insurance for the duration of the new program;
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Photocopy of your current DS-2019 (page 1) and I-94 (front & back);
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Financial documents proving sufficient financial support for the duration of the new program. The amount of support should be equivalent to the current financial certificate for your school. Financial certificates are updated each year. Therefore, email isss@emory.edu to be sent the current form. If you are receiving funding from your school, you must have a letter stating the amount and duration, differentiating the amount for tuition and stipend. If you are not receiving funding from your school to cover all expenses, you would need to fill out an updated financial certificate and include an official letter from your/your sponsor’s financial institution verifying that you/your sponsor have sufficient funds to cover your expenses. Your sponsor will need to sign a section of the financial certificate confirming their agreement to sponsor you. Funds from Academic Training cannot be used to document financial support. If this information is in a language other than English, an official translation, in English, must be provided to ISSS.
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Step 2: Your International Student Advisor processes your request or notifies you of any additional documentation needed within five business days of the date of receipt.
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Step 3: ISSS emails you to let you know your DS-2019 is ready for pick up.
If sponsored by an agency other than Emory University, the student must contact that program sponsor directly regarding procedures, which may vary according to the specific sponsor. The following movements are not considered as changes in educational level:
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Student Non-Degree to Student Bachelors, Masters or Doctorate
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Any degree student to Student Non-Degree
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Reverse matriculation (e.g. Doctorate to Masters)
Such movement between levels would be viewed as changes in objective requiring an application for change of category (with non-refundable fee). Category changes require proving to the Deparment of State that the change is "necessary due to unusual or exceptional circumstances" and are not frequently approved.
In general, you must actively continue to pursue your original exchange objective for the duration of your program at Emory University. For example, if you are a J-1 Non-Degree student you would be in violation of your immigration status if you pursue a degree, even if the degree is awarded after your departure from the United States. Please consult your International Student Advisor before making any changes to your program as these changes affect your immigration status.