Change of Status: F-2 to F-1
FULL-TIME STUDY
Under new federal regulations, F-2's may no longer study full time. F-2's must have a change of status approved before you can begin full-time study.
In order to change status while in the U.S. from a dependent (F-2) to a student (F-1) status you will need to be admitted to a full-time academic program at a school which can issue a Form I-20. And, your F-1 spouse must be in the U.S. and in status when you are requesting this change.
Note: If you are traveling outside the U.S., you can accomplish the change of status upon reentry if you take the I-20 and financial documents with you and obtain an F-1 Visa at a U.S. Consulate. Then, you can enter the U.S as an F-1 student.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Your request to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for change of status should consist of the following:
- Completed Form I-539 with $290.00 fee (check or money order made payable to Department of Homeland Security).
- Original Form I-20 signed and dated.
- Copy (both sides) of Form I-94.
- Financial verification.
- Copies of your spouse's valid Immigration forms: I-94, I-20.
- Copies of the data pages in each individual's passport.
- You must pay the SEVIS fee of $200 prior to submitting your change of non-immigrant status application. You can pay this fee on-line at http://www.fmjfee.com.
Make an appointment with an adviser at OISS and bring all items listed above. OISS will review the application to assure that all documents have been properly completed. After all materials have been reviewed, send by certified mail with return receipt to:
USCIS California Service Center
P.O. Box 10539
Laguna Niguel, CA 92607-1053
Note: It may take up to 4 months to get a response from USCIS. If you have not received an answer after 4 months from the date the application was received by USCIS, speak with an adviser in OISS. The adviser will follow-up on your application