H4 - F1 Help!!!

[PinkyA]

Hello,

I have enrolled for an MS program and the course starts in Aug. I was wondering if need to change to F1 visa or can I study on my H4 visa?

Also, If I do change to F1 visa, Am I still eligible for the resident fee structure which is much lower than the non- resident fees or do I loose my resident status?

The MS program has an industrial intership as a part of it. So I am not sure if I can prusue the internship on an H4 visa. If I do need to change to F1, can I do it on a later date? Can I start studying on H4 and change to F1 later if/when required?
What is the process for that?

Any help is appreciated. THanks!!!

 

[sahuja]

I have the same problem. I am on L1 but am planning to join MBA in August. Since my husband is on H1, I can eithet join on H4 or on F1. Both has its advantages and disadvantages.

On H4, you will not be able to pursue industrial internship. But on F1 you definately can.

Another things is if you are on F1, you can never get in-state benefits. F1 by default are out=of-state candidates.

You may start studies on H4 and later convert it to F1 , I have recently got this information from one of my friend but I am not sure about this. Infact, from my college I got the information that there is a new rule coming up in next few days according to which H4 are not allowed to study now. I am trying to confirm it but am unable to get any reliable source.

I would rather take H4 first (to be on the safe side) and then apply for F1 from within USA just to avoid the risk og getting rejected, becuase for F1 one can never be 100% sure about the VISA decision.

You may check-out if H4 is still valid for studies and if it is then better start studies on H4 and apply for F1 in the meantime. It is safer to apply from US itself, especially in case there is war.

Keep me updated on your case and let me also know if you get any more details. You can reach me at ahuja_soniya@hotmail.com. Thanks