An F-1 student who is graduating from an academic program at ACC or returning to ACC after approved Optional Practical Training (OPT) must declare a new academic program at a higher level and request a Change of Level (COL) I-20 with updated financial documents before enrolling in a new higher degree program. COL documents must be submitted before the 30 or 60-day grace period ends. COL requests will not be granted after the next session start date begins.
You must visit an Area of Study Academic Advisor to declare a new major. Your Advisor must complete a New Degree Request Form with the newly selected academic major.
F-1 students must enroll full time and may not choose a degree plan in which the major coursework is exclusively online (Marketing, Real Estate, etc.) unless a second major is also declared that has sufficient in-person courses to satisfy full-time enrollment requirements. Review the ACC Online website for a list of academic programs that offer online only courses.
Full-time enrollment is defined as:
- 12 credit hours each fall and spring semester.
- 12 credit hours if starting a new academic program in the summer semester.
- 9 credit hours must be in-person instruction.
- No more than the equivalent of one online/distance learning class or 3 credits per semester may count towards the full-time enrollment requirement.
To request a Change of Level I-20 for the new program of study, an F-1 student must submit the following documents to the International Student Office at [email protected]:
- New Degree Request Form (must be completed with an Area of Study advisor)
- New Statement of Financial Support Form
- Proof of Financial Support – bank statement reflecting available funds for the minimum balance.
Effective September 15, 2026: Change of Educational Level Updates
- F-1 students enrolled in a program of study cannot change educational levels during their first year of study.
- F-1 Students are prohibited from the following after completing of a program of study:
- Enrolling in a program at a lower educational level (e.g., moving from a bachelor’s program to an associate’s program), or
- Enrolling in a program at the same educational level (e.g., moving from an associate’s program to another an associate’s program).
- For more information visit the Study in the States website.