Dependents

If you need to add an F-2 or J-2 dependent, submit an Add F-2/J-2 Dependent request in the ISSS Portal. After your dependents arrive in the U.S. or get an approved change of status from USCIS, you will need to submit an F-2/J-2 Dependent Check-In request in the ISSS Portal.

If you need to edit dependent information on the I-20/DS-2019 OR remove your dependents submit a General ISSS Request in the ISSS Portal.

All the above requests can be found in the General Student Services section of the ISSS portal. See the F-2/J-2 Dependents page for more information about F-2 and J-2 status. 

Lost or Damaged I-20/DS-2019

If you need a replacement for any of your I-20s or DS-2019s, submit a General ISSS Request in the ISSS Portal.

Change from F-1/J-1 Status to Another Status

If you’ve been approved for a change of status or entered the U.S. on a different visa, you should submit one of the change of status requests in the ISSS Portal.

If you are interested in changing to F-2 or J-2 status and your spouse is an F-1 or J-1 with TAMU, your spouse needs to submit an Add F-2/J-2 Dependent request to ISSS. See the F-2/J-2 Dependents page for more information.  

Status Violations

Some common status violations are: 

• Working without authorization (this includes doing internships and co-ops) 
• Not enrolling full-time without authorization 
• Not enrolling in enough in-person courses 
• Doing a leave of absence without telling ISSS 

If you believe you’ve violated your F-1 or J-1 status somehow, contact ISSS as soon as possible. The sooner you contact ISSS, the more options you may have to resolve the issue. Students who violate their status are not eligible for F-1/J-1 immigration benefits such as work authorization, program extension, degree-level changes, school transfers, etc. Also, ISSS cannot provide these students with certain services, letters, or endorsements on some legal documents.

Typically there are two ways to regain your F-1 or J-1 status.

• New Entry: Leave the U.S. and re-enter with a new I-20 or DS-2019 (and a new visa, if needed).
  • F-1: This will reset your status and you must re-accrue eligibility for CPT and OPT again.
• Reinstatement: Work with ISSS to request reinstatement of your status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the U.S. Department of State.  
  • F-1: Get a reinstatement I-20 and then submit an I-539 application to USCIS.
  • J-1: ISSS will need to send a request to the Department of State (see Substantive Infractions).
  • Students should not travel while the reinstatement is pending.