Kenyan students in the United States holding an F-1 visa can apply to change their immigration status to F-2 dependent status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if they meet the eligibility requirements.
The process allows eligible dependents of F-1 visa holders to remain in the country under a dependent category without leaving the United States.
Step-by-Step US Visa Status Change for Kenyan Students
According to the U.S. Department of State, the process for changing from F-1 student status to F-2 dependent status by USCIS is as follows;
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
The applicant must be in valid F-1 status and legally present in the U.S. They must be the spouse or unmarried child (under 21) of an F-1 visa holder and must not have violated visa conditions.
Step 2: Prepare Form I-539 Application
Applicants must complete Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status). This form is submitted to USCIS with accurate personal and immigration details.
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Step 3: Gather Supporting Documents
Required documents include the passport biodata page, visa page, I-94 record, proof of relationship to the F-1 Visa holder (such as a marriage or birth certificate), and financial evidence demonstrating the ability to support dependents.
Step 4: Pay Required Fees
Applicants must pay the USCIS filing fee for Form I-539. Additional biometric fees may apply depending on individual cases.
Step 5: Submit Application to USCIS
The complete application package is submitted to USCIS before the current F-1 Visa status expires. Timely filing is required to avoid violations or denial.
Step 6: Maintain F-1 Visa Status While Waiting
While the application is pending, the applicant must remain in valid F-1 status and not travel outside the United States, as departure will cancel the application.
Step 7: Receive USCIS Decision
If approved, the applicant’s status is officially changed to F-2. If denied, the applicant must either maintain lawful status or leave the U.S. and apply through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
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Requirements For Visa Change
To change visa status inside the United States, applicants must meet specific requirements set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), depending on the visa category.
This include;
- Legal presence in the United States and filing before visa expiry
- Eligibility for the new visa category being requested
- Completion and submission of Form I-539
- Valid passport, visa documents, and I-94 record
- Supporting documents proving eligibility (e.g., relationship or admission proof)
- Proof of sufficient financial support
- Payment of required USCIS filing and biometric fees
- Continuous maintenance of current visa status during processing
- No travel outside the U.S. while application is pending
- Compliance with all conditions of the current visa status
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