International Student Services

New Degree I-20

F-1 international students who are completing one degree program at Saint Peter’s University and plan to obtain a second degree at the same or at a higher degree level (for example, from Master’s to Master’s, or from Master’s to Doctorate) must obtain a new Form I-20 for the new program.

Because each degree level represents a new program of study, Saint Peter’s University must update your SEVIS record and issue a new I-20 reflecting your new program. The update must be completed before you begin classes in the new program.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a new Form I-20 for a different degree level, you must:

  • Be in valid F-1 student status at the time of application.
  • Successfully complete your current program or be on track to graduate before starting the new degree program.
  • Apply and be admitted to the new program at Saint Peter’s University.
  • Provide proof of sufficient funding for the first academic year of the new program.
  • Request the new I-20 from the Center for Global Learning before the start date of your new program.

Note: When you being a new degree level at Saint Peter’s University:

  • You will keep the same SEVIS ID number.
  • You do not need to pay the SEVIS fee again.
  • Your will receive an Initial I-20 for the new program
  • You will remain in legal status as long as the new program starts within five months of completing your previous program or OPT.
  • We will make your new I-20 active within 30 days of the start date of the new program, provided you are registered full-time at SPU.

If there will be more than a five-month gap between programs, please contact the Center for Global Learning for guidance.

Admissions Process

  1. Apply for admission to the new degree program.
  2. For assistance with the application process, contact the Office of International Admissions at intadmission@saintpeters.edu

Funding Requirements for I-20 Issuance

Federal regulations require that F-1 students demonstrate sufficient funding for an entire academic year of the new program before a new Form I-20 can be issued.
To process your updated I-20, you must submit:

  • A recent bank statement or financial guarantee showing adequate funds for tuition, fees, and living expenses for one academic year.
  • An updated Affidavit of Support if your studies are being funded by anyone other than yourself.

Acceptable documents include:

  1. Recent bank statements (within 3 months).
  2. Letter from a bank summarizing the available account balance.
  3. Scholarship/assistantship letters indicating award amount.
  4. Financial guarantee letters from government or organizations
  5. Loan approval letter.

All financial documents must be:

  1. Written in English or accompanied by an official translation
  2. No more than 3 months old.

Minimum funding requirements:

Tuition and fees for the academic year.

  • Undergraduate students: $39,954
  • Graduate students: $17,910

Living expenses (housing, food, transportation, insurance, etc.).

  • Undergraduate Students: $21,290
  • Graduate Students: $17,800
  • Any dependents (minimum of $5,000 per year, per dependent).

NOTE: If your new program will take less than one year to complete, the amount of financial proof required for your new I-20 will be adjusted (prorated) based on the length of your remaining studies.

Processing Time

Please allow 5–10 business days for the Center for Global Learning to review your request and issue your new Form I-20. You will receive an email once your new I-20 is ready for download through the International Student Portal.

Application Process

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Need Help?

If you have any questions about the Change in Program process, please reach out to the Center for Global Learning at iss@saintpeters.edu or make an appointment with an International Student Advisor.

Contact Us
Center for Global Learning (CGL)
Address: 2641 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Lee House
Jersey City, NJ 07306
Phone: 201-761-7190 Email: iss@saintperters.edu
Appointment Links:  https://bit.ly/CGLappt  OR  https://bit.ly/CGLappt2
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm
*The CGL is closed on weekends and most national holidays.*