AOS and in-state tuition in PA

C

costno

New Member
Guys,

I'm also going to post this in Education but I think it's mostly related to I485...

I'm currently on AOS (employment-based immigration, I485 filed in April 2002 - no 2nd FP btw). I'm working on my MBA in one of the business schools in Pennsylvania. The school rejected my application for in-state tuition (which is half of out-of-state tuition) on the grounds that I'm not a permanent resident, even though I've been in PA for more than 3 years, have been paying taxes, never changed a job etc. Is there any way for me to get in-state tuition other than to drop off and wait for my I485 to be approved? I have a feeling it's going to be at least half a year in the best-case scenario. I can't afford to pay that much, my savings are almost gone (I'm not eligible for any education loans, either)...

Thanks in advance.
 
Do you a currently valid H1? I do know that in our state university, being on H1/H4 qualifies for in-state tution. I don't know about AOS pending..., you really should contact international office or whoever to get a second opinion.
 
costno,

The classification of InState varies from one university to another and there is pretty much nothing you can do about it. There are no set guidelines or norms set by the federal goverment to tackle this issue. For example University of Mass classifies a student as instate as soon one files for I-485 and furnishes a I-485 receipt. I took advantage of this since I am a student in that university.

Here is what you should do:
1. Carefully research what constitutes as University's rules to tackle this issue. Take a print out of all those published guidelines. (Should be available on univ's web site or if not then go get them from the dean's office)

2. Write a letter to the dean, carefully laying out your case and respectfully request for re-classification.

Believe me or not, a dean usually has unbound powers in these issues. You will never know untill you try.

-Savant
 
another thing, don't forget to mention in your letter to the dean that unless reclassifed you will have no other option other than to drop off for the semester due to your financial conditions.
 
Also I have noticed, that several schools accept a student as in-state if they present a valid EAD. Then again like savant123456 said, it all depends from school to school.

Good luck
 
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