You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Type of visa needed for doing CPA in U.S.
- Thread starter bakki1
- Start date
kayzeeturk
Registered Users (C)
Hello,
To add to that question, would there be any problems with acquiring a CPA while on H1 for an IT position? I won't be working, I just want to get the certification.
To add to that question, would there be any problems with acquiring a CPA while on H1 for an IT position? I won't be working, I just want to get the certification.
bakki1 said:Hi!
Can anyone please tell me what is the type of visa required for my C.A. friend in India who wants to come here and pursue CPA? Can he just visit at the time of exams and prepare in India?In this case what can be the types of visa?
AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants) or NASBA (National Association of State Boards of Accountancy) are professional associations that certifies, licenses, or serves CPAs. AICPA and NASBA are not universities and therefore they do not issue I-20s to international students nor is CPA considered full-time program at a college.
Your friend cannot come to U.S.A. solely to pursue CPA. He needs to get admission into a masters program (MBA, MS etc.) at a U.S. university, get F1 visa, and concurrently pursue CPA with masters degree. International students are not required to obtain permission from or report to USCIS to pursue CPA because these are not universities but professional associations. Alternatively, he may also be present in U.S. on H1B, L1 or some other visa and pursue CPA. Before granting permission to pursue CPA, state boards of accountancy look to see whether a foreign student is legally present in U.S.A. on a visa. They do not require a particular visa to pursue CPA.
I am not sure if NASBA started administering CPA exams outside U.S.A. Check the following link.
http://www.beckercpa.com/locations_sched/intl.cfm?country=India
Becker is the best in training students for CPA exams. Your friend may actually call Becker people to know if it possible to sit for CPA exams in India itself.
Pls reply soon
Thanks!
No problem. You can study CPA while you are on H1B. You have to get your credentials evaluated from your state's accountancy board and obtain permission to pursue CPA.kayzeeturk said:Hello,
To add to that question, would there be any problems with acquiring a CPA while on H1 for an IT position? I won't be working, I just want to get the certification.
The entire information on how to become CPA is available at www.nasba.org
kayzeeturk
Registered Users (C)
What kind of credentials are we talking about? I have a BS but it's nothing financial, and I'm not working on a field that is related to finance... I am, however, fully legal in the US, is that not enough, since becoming a CPA is almost like getting a college degree, meaning that it's educational, not necessarily used for business.
You'll need to have enough accounting related credits before you could take the exam. If you had a university degree from outside the US, you can send them in for evaluation.
You don't have to work in the field to take the exam. You'll get certified after you pass the exam but you won't be able to practice as a CPA until you get the license (the license requirements are different depends on the State you are thinking to the take the exam. Most of them requires related working expeirence)
Your friend can just get a visitot visa if he'll just be here for the exam.
Hope this helps..
You don't have to work in the field to take the exam. You'll get certified after you pass the exam but you won't be able to practice as a CPA until you get the license (the license requirements are different depends on the State you are thinking to the take the exam. Most of them requires related working expeirence)
Your friend can just get a visitot visa if he'll just be here for the exam.
Hope this helps..
kayzeeturk said:What kind of credentials are we talking about? I have a BS but it's nothing financial, and I'm not working on a field that is related to finance...
You can still do CPA. But State Accounting Boards first evaluate your credentials before they permit you to pursue CPA. You may be asked to do some coursework from a university in Accounting, Business Laws, Auditing, Federal Taxation etc. before appearing for the actual CPA examination. It also depends on the state you intend to practice in. Some states require less number of credits in accounting, auditing etc. than other states. Send your Bachelors and Masters degrees, if any, to state accounting board for evaluation. They will advise you if you have to do any coursework for this purpose. Check this link for the states that are recommended for international students.
http://www.gleim.com/Accounting/CPA/steps.php
I am, however, fully legal in the US, is that not enough, since becoming a CPA is almost like getting a college degree, meaning that it's educational, not necessarily used for business.
kayzeeturk
Registered Users (C)
I have a degree from a US university, and I've taken a 4 credit course in acctg with an A. I would also be taking some courses prior to the exam, so I guess I would be fine... Thanks a lot for all your help!
I just gave my CPA exams and know for sure that these exams cannot be given outside USA. But the candidate can prepare in India and come to give the exam. You will have to get ur degrees evaluated as I did. Different number of credits required in different states.
Lona
Lona