International Students

Center for International Programs

101 Old Library
West Chester, PA 19383
Call: (610) 436 – 3515
Email: International Students or
Email: American Students Studying Abroad

Change of Status

F-1 Student to F-2 Dependent

In order to change from a student to dependent status, your F-1 spouse must be in the United States with a valid F-1 status at the time you are requesting this change.
Your request for change of status to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) should consist of the following:

  1. Completed Form I-539 with the processing fee (check or money order made payable to Department of Homeland Security); for the most current fee information visit www.uscis.gov.
  2. A copy of your marriage certificate.  English translation required.
  3. A copy of your spouse’s current Form I-94 (both sides) and I-20
  4. Original Form I-94 (you are strongly encouraged to keep a copy of the front and back of the Form I-94).
  5. Copy of your (F-1) I-20.
  6. Original Dependent I-20.
  7. Copies of the pages in each individual’s passport that include biographical information, passport picture, and passport expiration.
  8. Copies of financial verification in the form of a bank statement or letter from the F-1 spouse’s sponsor.

For more information please see instructions located in Form I-539.