Change of Status

F-2 Dependent to F-1 Student

In order to change 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.
Note: If you are traveling outside the United States, you can accomplish the change of status upon re-entry if you take your Form I-20 and financial documents with you and obtain an F-1 Visa at a U.S. Consulate. Upon obtaining the F-1 visa, you can enter the United States as an F-1 student.
Your request for change of status to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) should consist of the following:

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 and scroll down to “Forms and E-Filing to find the appropriate fee.
Receipt for paying SEVIS I-901 Fee. Go to FMJfee.com for full details.
Original Form I-20 signed and dated;
Original Form I-94 (you are strongly encouraged to keep a copy of the front and back of the Form I-94);
Financial Verification.
Copies of your spouse’s valid immigration forms: I-94, I-20.
Copies of the pages in each individual’s passport that include biographical information, passport picture, and passport expiration.

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