Ohio State is in the process of revising websites and program materials to accurately reflect compliance with the law. While this work occurs, language referencing protected class status or other activities prohibited by Ohio Senate Bill 1 may still appear in some places. However, all programs and activities are being administered in compliance with federal and state law.

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Change of Status

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

View guidelines.