Can I discontinue school on F1 Visa or should I change status to F2?

[DesiOPT-FaceBook-Admin]

A friend of mine is coming on F-1 visa.She wants to know if she she can come and change her visa status to F-2 if she does not like the studies. She is married to one of F-1 students here.
I suggested her that keep staying on F-1 even if you discontinue school. Will there be an issue??

This was posted on https://www.facebook.com/desiopt1 on June 27th 2013

[DesiOPT-FaceBook-Fan]

How can you stay on F1 if you discontinue school?

[DesiOPT-FaceBook-Fan]

Your status does not change automatically from F-1 to F-2 if you discontinue. I believe she has to apply for F-2 status through ISSO and then interview with US consulate for F-2 stamping. Ask her to inquiry about the application process from her school's international office, they will be able to help.

[DesiOPT-FaceBook-Fan]

And yes, you cannot stay in F-1 status if you discontinue.

[DesiOPT-FaceBook-Fan]

yes, you CANNOT stay on F1 if you discontinue school.. you have to take atleast minimum permissible credit hours each semester for the university that gave you F1.

[DesiOPT-FaceBook-Fan]

You need to be enrolled atleast for 9 credit hours to remain in status on F1

[DesiOPT-FaceBook-Fan]

I would strongly advise AGAINST that. I am sure in future she would wanna get a green card. This mite harm her application then.