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.
Your request for change of status to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) should consist of the following:
- Completed Form I-539 with the processing fee. Checks and money orders should be made payable to the Department of Homeland Security. View the most current fee information.
- A copy of your marriage certificate – English translation required
- A copy of your spouse's current Form I-94 (both sides or printed electronic I-94 card and copy of admission stamp)
- Copy of the front and back of the Form I-94 card or printed copy of the electronic I-94 card and copy of admission stamp
- Copy of your most recently issued F-1 I-20 – make sure it is signed
- Copy of signed Dependent I-20
- Copies of the pages in each individual’s passport that include biographical information, passport picture and passport expiration
- Copies of financial verification in the form of a bank statement or letter from the F-1 spouse’s sponsor
Meet with an Immigration Coordinator in the Office of International Affairs to review the above documents.
You must be maintaining valid F-1 status at the time that USCIS receives your application. Also, be aware that it may take three to six months to get a response from USCIS. The Office of International Affairs recommends that this application be sent by certified mail with a return receipt.