maintaining F-1 visa

[pbasu977]

i have maintained F-1 status for last 5 yrs...i have not yet completed my PhD though i have successfully passed the qualifying exam and the doctoral comprehensive exam, but now i need to stay at home to look after my son. Can i register for maintaining matriculation for the time beingmor i have to change to my husband's dependent status (H4)? If I do change to H4, and finish my research part time, will it be be a problem to get a job?

 

[MarineBiologist]

As long as you maintain full-time status, you're okay. At my school this is 9 credits, which I take as 6 graduate assistanship credits and 3 research credits, but it does not involve any class work. Talk to your international advisor about your options.