Change of Status: F-1 to F-2 Visa Type - Application Steps for I-539

Sep 19, 2026

Upload by Ezra

Guidance for changing nonimmigrant status from F-1 to F-2 explains two options: leave the United States to apply abroad or remain in the U.S. and file Form I-539 for a change of status. It lists eligibility requirements for the F-2 dependent, including good standing and coordination with the F-1 principal to obtain a new dependent I-20. The process outlines document and payment requirements, financial evidence, a personal statement, and submission steps to USCIS, plus optional E-Notification via Form G-1145 and how to contact International Student & Scholar Services.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages1

AccessFree to download

Change of Status: F-1 to F-2 Visa Type

Methods for changing visa status

Eligibility

Application process for students submitting for I-539

E-Notification

Questions and contact information

Change of Status: F-1 to F-2 Visa Type There are two methods for changing your visa status: 1. Exit the United States, and while abroad apply for the new visa type (Recommended) 2. Remain in the United States and File form I-539 Eligibility • Student applying for F-2 status must be in good standing • Student who will be recognized as the F-1 principal must also be in good standing Application Process for Students Submitting for I-539 (Processing may take between 1-6 months) • Have the F-1 principal submit a request for a dependent I-20 o ISS will then issue you a new Dependent I-20 • Obtain a new dependent I-20 • Complete form I-539 (Application for Change of Nonimmigrant Status) o Form I-539: [http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-539.pdf](http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-539.pdf) o Instructions for form I-539: [http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-539instr.pdf](http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-539instr.pdf) • Money Order or personal check o $370 .00, made payable to: US Department of Homeland Security (Spell this out exactly as written) • Personal Statement o Addressed to USCIS requesting your change of status and explaining why you entered the United States and why/how your circumstances have changed, thus requiring a new visa type. • Copies of your immigration documents: o Current and all past I-20’s o Passport and visa stamp o Front and back of your I-94, or electronic copy § To retrieve a copy of your I-94, visit: [https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/](https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/) • Copies of principal F-1’s immigration documents o Current I-20 o Passport and visa stamp o Front and back of your I-94, or electronic copy § To retrieve a copy of your I-94, visit: [https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/](https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/) • Financial Documentation o Same financial information used to obtain I-20 from SUU • Marriage certificate (or official family record) • Set an appointment with an SUU Designated School Official (DSO) to review your information • Send completed application to: USCIS California Service Center USCIS California Service Center PO Box 10539 or 24000 Avila Road Second Floor, Rm 2312 Laguna Niguel, CA 92607-1053 Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 o Make copies of everything in your application packet before sending to USCIS. o Use a receipt-based mailing option such as certified mail so there will be evidence that the documents were received by USCIS. E-Notification Students interested in receiving a text or email from USCIS that their documents have been received may complete Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance as the first page of their application. o Download from G-1[145 from:](145 from: www.uscis.gov/g-1)[ ](145 from: www.uscis.gov/g-1)[www.uscis.gov/g-1](145 from: www.uscis.gov/g-1)145 For more information about this process, visit: [http://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/change-of-status](http://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/change-of-status) [Please inform International Student & Scholar Services immediately after you have been notified of the](Please inform International Student & Scholar Services immediately after you have been notified of the) outcome QUESTIONS Please contact International Student & Scholar Services at (435)586-1995 or [internationalaid@suu.edu](internationalaid@suu.edu) if you have questions or need further information.

FAQs

What are the two methods to change status from F-1 to F-2?

You can exit the United States and apply for the new visa type while abroad, or remain in the United States and file Form I-539.

What eligibility requirements apply for an F-2 dependent student?

The student applying for F-2 must be in good standing. The F-1 principal who will be recognized must also be in good standing.

What documents and forms are required when filing I-539?

Complete Form I-539, include the dependent request process (new dependent I-20), submit a money order or personal check for $370, provide a personal statement, include copies of immigration documents (I-20s, passport/visa stamp, and I-94), and include financial documentation and a marriage certificate or official family record.

Sep 19, 2026

Upload by Ezra