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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.

Change of Status: F-2 Dependent to F-1 Student

To change your status while in the United States from an F-2 dependent to an F-1 student, you will need to be admitted to a full-time academic program and be issued an I-20 for that program. In addition, your F-1 spouse must be in the United States and in status when you are requesting this change.

If you are traveling outside the United States, you can accomplish the change of status upon reentry into the U.S., which will require you to obtain an F-1 visa at a U.S. Consulate abroad. After obtaining the F-1 visa, you can enter the United States as an F-1 student and will need to complete mandatory immigration check-in with the Office of International Affairs so the record can be registered as active. 

Those in F-2 status may not be employed or enrolled full-time until the F-1 status is approved.

 

Application Procedure

To request the change of status, you will need to submit the completed Form I-539 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) with the processing fee. Information about filing this form online can be found on the USCIS website.
 

You will also need to upload the following documents when completing the I-539:

  • Receipt confirming payment of the SEVIS I-901 Fee
  • Your F-1 I-20 requesting the change of status and your most recently issued F-2 I-20, hand-signed and dated
  • Your most recent electronic I-94
  • Financial verification as listed on the I-20
  • Spouse’s valid Immigration forms: I-94, I-20
  • Copies of the pages in each individual’s passport (for yourself and your spouse) that include biographical information, passport picture and passport expiration
     

Additional documents might be required. It is strongly advised that you meet with an immigration attorney to review your application to USCIS for the change of status request.