Change of Status, FROM F-1 TO F-2, while in the United States - Student Instructions
To apply for a change of status (COS) from F-1 to F-2 while IN the US,
you must currently be in the US in legal status, and
your passport must be valid for at least 6 more months.
Important information about being on an F-2 visa:
You CANNOT work AND You CANNOT attend school.**
Your status is dependent on your spouse’s (the F-1 visa holder’s) status.
You are permitted to stay in the United States only during the same time your spouse is permitted to stay (you cannot
stay longer).
Dependents are free to come and go in and out of the US without their spouses (while their spouses are in F-1 status).
** You cannot attend any type of regular academic program such as full-time IEP or any degree program, but you are
allowed to attend school part-time.
Warning! If you leave the US while your COS is pending, your application is cancelled.
Follow the instructions below to apply for a change of status:
1. Complete and sign Form I-539 Application to Extend Status/Change Nonimmigrant Status, at
https://www.uscis.gov/i-539
Make sure you are using the most recent version. Print and send all pages.
If question is not applicable to you, or answer is ‘none,’ write “n/a” or “None.”
When signing or filling out any sections by hand, write clearly and use black ink.
As of May 2019, you can file online (check for eligibility at https://www.uscis.gov/i539online)
2. Request a dependent I-20 through the Office of Admissions, Registration, and Client Services (ARC) in EU 200, in The
Tseng College.
Fill out the Request for Dependent I-20
Attach a copy of dependent’s passport
Attach a copy of marriage license.
If including children in application, attach a copy of each child’s passport and copy of child’s birth certificate.
F-1 primary signs each I-20 – even the one for a spouse.
3. Gather all required documents that must sent with the I-539 application (Copies are OK except where noted):
Proof of financial capability, such as bank statement or financial guarantee
Proof of family relationship, such as a marriage license or certificate
Passports pages that show identity, visa, and latest entry stamps – both spouses
Printed I-94s from: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/i94/ – both spouses
Copy of primary, F-1 student’s I-20
Applicant’s new dependent I-20, signed by F-1.
4. Pay the $370 fee.
Pay by check or money order: Payee is “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” (Write it exactly this way.)
o Attach check or money order to the Form I-539 application.
Pay by credit card: Go to https://www.uscis.gov/g-1450
5. Send all of the above in one envelope to one of the addresses below.
Use a mailing service that gives you a receipt and a way to track your package.
If using an Express Mail Service, such as UPS, FedEx, If using the United States Postal
or DHL, use this address: Service (USPS), use this address:
USCIS
ATTN: I-539 USCIS
2501 S. State Highway 121 Business Suite 400 PO Box 660166
Lewisville, TX 75067 Dallas, TX 75266
revised 5/23/19
(800) 375-5283
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, NORTHRIDGE • TSENG COLLEGE • OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS, REGISTRATION & CLIENT SERVICES
18111 Nordhoff Street • EU 200 • Northridge • California 91330-8343 • phone: (818) 677-2504 • www.csun.edu • collexl@csun.edu
