F-1 student to F-2 dependent
To change from a student to a dependent status, your F-1 spouse must be in the United States in valid F-1 status at the time you are requesting this change.
F-2 dependent to F-1 student
To change your status while in the United States 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 that can issue you a Form I-20. In addition, your F-1 spouse must be in the United States and in status when you are requesting this change.
As an F-2 visa holder, you are not eligible to be a full-time student. However, you are able to take courses on a part-time basis. If you wish to study full-time, you must apply for a change of status from F-2 to F-1. F-2 visa holders may also not receive wages or compensation of any kind until the F-1 status is approved.
H-1B or H-4 to F-1 student
To change status while in the United States from a temporary specialty worker (H-1B) or worker dependent (H-4) to a student (F-1) status, you will need to be admitted to a full-time academic program at a school that can issue a Form I-20. You must also be in the United States and in valid H-1B/H-4 status at the time you request this change. As an H-1B/H-4, you are able to attend school part-time or full-time, providing (for H-1Bs) it does not interfere with your primary purpose of working in the United States; therefore, you will need a valid reason for requesting the change to F-1.
J-1 or J-2 to F-1 student
Due to the complexity of J status regulations, the Office of International Affairs recommends that you speak with an advisor before you begin the application process.
B-2 tourist to F-1 student
A nonimmigrant B-2 visitor for pleasure may wish to change to F-1 student status if the following applies:
- The visitor has a B-2 Visa bearing the notation “prospective student.” Consular officers are authorized to write “prospective student” on a B-2 Visa issued to a person who has been admitted to a particular school and has a Form I-20 from that school, but intends to enter the United States more than 90 days before classes begin. A person with a B-2 Visa marked “prospective student” should routinely be able to obtain a change to F-1 status.
- Conditions in the preceding paragraph may apply, but the consular officer has neglected to write “prospective student” on the B-2 visa.