Change of Status from F1 to F2

[mandy7]

Hi there,

I'd like some advice regarding the change of status from F1 to F2. I am a recent graduate and working under OPT. My boyfriend will be graduating this summer and plans to start his OPT as well. We plan to get married in the near future. I was wondering if I can change my status from F1 to F2 within my OPT period but my concern is my F1 visa has already expired last August. Do I need to renew my visa to be eligible for the change of status? Thanks. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ImmigAttyLana]

No, changing status is permitted even if your visa has expired. A visa is not a document authorizing your stay in the US; the I-94 does that. The visa is only needed for entry to the US. However, you will not be able to file for a change of status from F-1 to F-2 unless and until you are legally married to the F-1 principal.

Please let me know if you have any additional questions or how I can be of further assistance to you in this matter.