H4 to F1 conversion

[honeycomb]

I am on H4 visa and presently staying in Ohio for the past 2 months. I would like to pursue masters degree at one of the state universities in ohio for fall 2006. Do I need to change status to F1 or can I continue on H4 for masters?
If I need to change to F1 how long will it take to convert? and what is the procedure?

 

[ranji710]

U can study Full time on H4, however it depends on the university policy.

You will have to speak to the admissions dept before you change to F1. AFAIK, u can study full time on H4 .
To change from H4 to F1 you have three options.
# Apply for F1 through college which will take 2-5 months and thus it will be too late.
# Come back to your home country for the F1 interview .
# Go to Mexico /Canada for the F1 visa.

Hope it helps.

 

[priya2007]

I changed my status to F1 bcoz I got a full assistantship.
I applied for change of status in May and it came thru in august just before the begining of the semester.
I dont have a F1 stamp on my passport. I dont plan on travelling outside of USA until my studies are done and so I am not required to have a stamp on the passport.