Skip to main content
International Student and Scholar Services

Life Event Changes

Adding Dependents

F-1/J-1 students wishing to add a spouse or child to their record as an F-2/J-2 dependent, should submit an Add Dependent Request in the ISSS Portal.

Changing Your Name

F-1/J-1 students who have changed their legal name must first update their passport to reflect the name change. Once you have updated your passport, submit a Name Change Request in the ISSS Portal to have your SEVIS record updated and a new I-20/DS-2019 printed.

Besides updating your name on your passport and I-20/DS-2019, you may also need to update your new legal name with various government agencies and institutions like the Social Security Agency and the Department of Motor Vehicles, your U.S. bank and the postal service. This can be a vary complex process. One online resource for updating this information in the state of Illinois is https://newlastname.org/il-illinois/.

If you have any pending requests with USCIS, you should also consult with an Immigration Attorney about your name change or contact USCIS Customer Service for guidance.

Changing Status

If you were previously F-1 and have changed your status prior to completing your degree program, you will need to submit a Record Termination Request in the ISSS Portal. You will upload proof of your new status to the request:

  • New non-immigrant status - provide new visa stamp in passport and I-94 arrival record or USCIS Approval Notice
  • PR-pending - provide USCIS Receipt Notice and EAD card (if applicable)
  • Permanent Resident - provide PR card (aka "green card")

Lost Documents

Lost Passport:

If you have lost your passport or believe it was stolen, then you should file a police report with the police that have jurisdiction over the area where you think the loss/theft occurred. You will need to apply for a replacement passport through your home country's embassy or consulate located in the US. Some embassies will require a police report be filed prior to issuing a new passport. Once you have been re-issued your passport, please provide ISSS with a copy.

Lost Visa:

You cannot apply for a new visa from within the US. Therefore, you will need to apply for a new F-1/J-1 visa the next time you decide to travel internationally. You will not be allowed entry back into the United States as an F-1/J-1 until you have received your new visa. Once you have been issued your new F-1/J-1 visa, please provide ISSS with a copy.

Other Life Events

F-1/J-1 students who are experiencing other life events that may impact their visa status should visit ISSS during walk-in hours. Examples of such life events include:

  • You have a serious medical condition that may impact your ability to pursue your degree program
  • Any other change you think may impact your status