H4 to F1: I have an H4 and want to study. Do I need an F1?

[jdlover]

I am holding a H4 Visa (the spouse visa of [h1] Visa) and want to apply for a university of state in USA. Do I have to transfer H4 Visa to F1 visa? Since I have stayed at this state for more than one year, which tuition should I pay, in-state tuition or out-state tuition? Thanks

[imported_n/a]

I had same situation, I was considered as international student ..hence F1. Pl check univ. site for detail under Resident classification .

[jdlover]

Thanks a lot.

[pramod_bs]

It is the University's discretion I know lot of people in Florida studying with H4

[vrushali]

hi
even I have the same problem
what r the formalities to be done to get visa transffered from H4 to F1

[world123]

if you want to go from h4 to f1 you will have to file for change in non immmigrant status.however according to my information you will have to go to your home country to get it changed.I think the form is I 539.

[Sri]

Well, I think I can definetely throw some light on this problem....Actually, to change ur status from any VISA to an F1 u shud and must have an official I 20 from an US university. Then with the I 20 and other supporting documentation needed to get ur F 1 Visa, u can go to an US Embassy and apply for the VISA. During this time u shud submit ur H 4 Visa and then if ur F 1 is issued then u can start ur life as a student rather than as a dependent!!!.

I dont know about other countries, but, for Indians, u guys can get ur VISA changed in Canada....U dont have to go to India to get ur F 1 VISA.

DISCLAIMER : I didnot personally go thru this process as I came into the US as a student to begin with and then moved from F 1 VISA to a permanent resident status (sponsored by my spouse's company for both of us), but this is some info that I gathered for a friend of mine....If u guys are interested u can look up http://www.immigrationportal.com for any sort of immigration related questions....Look at the discussion groups in particular...

HTH
-Sri.

[Sri]

Originally posted by pramod_bs

It is the University's discretion I know lot of people in Florida studying with H4

U can definetely study while u r on a H4 but the glitch is that u cant work on any sort of part-time jobs or take up an asstship when u r on H4. So u have to pay thru ur nose for all the expenses while u r in the school. But, with F 1 u have the flexibility to take up an asstship or a part-time on campus job. Since Master's is more about the research work that u do than the class work, its always better to change ur status to an F 1 Visa and then study rather than staying on H 4, although its completely upto u guys to decide what u wanna do.

[vrushali]

Thanx world123 and sri
Is it necessary to go out of US ,or I can get the status changed staying in US.
and how much time does it take to change the status from H4 to F1

[world123]

Well, according to information on the BCIS website, you need to file the I539 with the service center.The service center will depend on which state you are in.The california service center is currently processing cases with receipt dates of july 2002.I think they process it and once it gets approved then you need to go to an embassy....
There might be an alternative and easier procedure , Its better to ask an immigration attorney!