Change of Status

If you have failed to maintain your status, you must file for reinstatement with USCIS or depart the United States immediately. While the International Services office might be able to recommend reinstatement, once your SEVIS record has been terminated or if you did not request an extension on time, you will be required to take immediate action.

Filing a I-539 Form Instructions

International Services will provide some assistance your completion of the application, however it is ultimately the student’s responsibility to file the form online. Please be advised that we cannot guarantee the approval of your application. Please follow each of the steps below in the correct order.

Please know that if the application is denied, you are required to leave the United States immediately.

Step 1: Obtain F-2 I-20 for dependent

In order to request reinstatement, please submit the following documents to International Services (InternationalServices@IndianaTech.edu). The office will process your request within 3 business days.

• • Photocopy of passport
  • Completed Affidavit of Sponsor Support Form
    • If you are government sponsored, a Financial Guarantee covering the dependent is needed.
    • Current amount to show is $44,000 for undergraduate students ($21,000 for graduate)
  • Current Bank Statement (not applicable for government sponsored students)

Step 2: Collect All Required Documents for Change of Status

The following checklist is to help you with assembling your application documents. You will be filing online, so make sure you have electronic copies of everything.

From the F-1 Student

• Most recent I-20 for the F-1 student
• I-94 copy
• Passport copy
  • Identity page
  • U.S. visa page
  • Most recent entry stamp
• Proof of current lawful status including official transcripts and enrollment verification letter.
• If F-1 student is on OPT, include a copy of the EAD card and a letter from the employer.
• Proof of Financial Support showing the primary F-1 is able to support all dependent F-2s financially
  • Copies of most recent financial statement (should be in USD) or
  • For government sponsored students, you will need an updated Financial Guarantee

Step 3: Submit your I-539 Form

1. Visit https://www.uscis.gov/i-539
2. Select “Apply Online”
3. Create an account
   1. Make sure you write down your username and password to remember this in the future.
4. Upload all documents and complete the form
5. Submit and save a copy of the submission receipt
   1. Make sure you save your submission number in order to check status

Important: It will cost $455 fee which will need to be paid by check or money order. This must be submitted at the time of your I-539.

NOTE: you will be required to attend classes as normal until you have heard back from USCIS about your application. All F-1 status requirements (including full time coursework) must be followed while waiting for reinstatement.

There are two options for changing from F-1 to F-2. You must decide which is best for you.

Option 1: Travel and Reentry: Leave the U.S. and apply for a new visa at a U.S. consulate. You will then reenter the U.S. with the newly issued visa and other relevant documents. You will gain your new status when you are admitted into the U.S.

Option 2: Change Status in the U.S. via I-539: Submit an application to USCIS for a change of status using a I-539 request. This option allows you to change your nonimmigrant status while remaining in the U.S. With this option you may gain a new status but you will not receive a new visa; visas are only issued outside the U.S.

Important: Failure to complete one of the above options will result in you becoming out of status. 

Option 2 – Filing a I-539 Form Instructions

This application process is all done online and while International Services can help with the process, it is the responsibility of the student to submit. Please be advised that we cannot guarantee the approval of your application. Please follow each of the steps below in the correct order. Please know that if the application is denied, you are required to leave the United States immediately.

Step 1: Obtain F-2 I-20 for dependent

In order to request a Form I-20 for your dependent (spouse/child), please submit the following documents to International Services (InternationalServices@IndianaTech.edu). The office will process your request within 3 business days.

• • Photocopy of marriage license (spouse) and/or birth certificate (child)
    • Must be translated into English
  • Photocopy of passport of your spouse and/or child
  • Completed Affidavit of Sponsor Support Form
    • If you are government sponsored, a Financial Guarantee covering the dependent is needed.
    • Current amount to show is $5,000 for a spouse plus $2,500 per child
  • Current Bank Statement (not applicable for government sponsored students)

Step 2: Collect All Required Documents for Change of Status

The following checklist is to help you with assembling your application packet. Include all documents in the order listed below. All the documents are to be collected for the F-2 applicant unless otherwise stated. You will file online, but you will need to make sure that you have everything ready to upload and submit.

From the F-2 Dependent

• Photocopy of Form I-20 for F-2
  • You will keep the original
  • Remember that this must be signed by the current F-1
• Complete the G-1145 form via https://www.uscis.gov/g-1145
  • This just authorizes electronic updates
• Copy of your I-94 Record
  • If you have an I-94 card, send the original card but make sure to keep a copy (front and back) for yourself.
  • If you have an electronic I-94, print a copy
• Photocopy of current and previous I-20s
• Copies of your Passport
  • Identity page
  • U.S. Visa page
  • Most recent U.S. entry stamp
  • Expiration date (if not on ID page)
• Letter of explanation that details why you would like to change status to F-2
• Proof of your current lawful status showing that your current visa category and any supporting documents
  • Transcripts: https://registrar.indianatech.edu/transcripts/
  • Enrollment Verification Letter: https://registrar.indianatech.edu/verification-request-form/
• Proof of Marriage to the primary F-1
  • Copy of marriage certificate must be in English. If translated, you will need to include a notarized translation copy.
  • Translation websites are luna360.com or ucredo.com

From the F-1 Student

• Most recent I-20 for the F-1 student
• I-94 copy
• Passport copy
  • Identity page
  • U.S. visa page
  • Most recent entry stamp
• Proof of current lawful status including official transcripts and enrollment verification letter.
• If F-1 student is on OPT, include a copy of the EAD card and a letter from the employer.
• Proof of Financial Support showing the the primary F-1 is able to support all dependent F-2s financially
  • Copies of most recent financial statement (should be in USD) or
  • For government sponsored students, you will need an updated Financial Guarantee

Step 3: Submit your I-539 Form

1. Visit https://www.uscis.gov/i-539
2. Select “Apply Online”
3. Create an account
   1. Make sure you write down your username and password to remember this in the future.
4. Upload all documents and complete the form
5. Submit and save a copy of the submission receipt
   1. Make sure you save your submission number in order to check status

Important: It will cost $455 fee which will need to be paid by check or money order. This must be submitted at the time of your I-539.

You will be submitting this request electronically, but if anything needs to be mailed, it would be sent to the below address by certified mail only

USPS Mailings 

USCIS
PO Box 660166
Dallas, TX 75266

UPS, DHL, FedEx Mailings

USCIS
ATTN: I-539
2501 S. State Hwy 121 Business
Ste 400
Lewisville, TX 75067