My I-20 lists the end program date next month. However, I just found out that I would not be able to finish my study as initially planned because I changed my research topic …

… which I need to complete in order to graduate. Therefore, I will apply to my DSO for the extension of my program. Does my wife in F-2 status need to do anything separately to extend her stay?

Answer

Your dependents’ F-2 status, including that of your spouse and children, depends on the validity of your F-1 status. This means that, as long as you maintain valid status and obtain a new I-20 reflecting the new end date of your program, your spouse and children will also be in valid F-2 status. While they are not required to make a separate request for the extension of their status with either the school or USCIS, your DSO should issue a separate I-20 in their own name reflecting the new end date of your program. (17.Apr.2015)

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