powburn

Hi All,

I've been living in the US now for 2 years, first on an L1a and now on an H4 visa after being laid off last year. Since the market for H1b type jobs has all but dissappeared, I'm thinking of making use of the free time by studying for a degree in the US, probably through distance learning.

Am I allowed to study at a US college while on my H4 visa or do I have to change status to an F1?

If I do have to change status to an F1, is it possible to change back to an H4 visa again once the studies are complete?

What are, if any, the study limitations under H4 or F1 visas? I'm thinking of minimum course length, etc...

Thanks in advance for any help and advice you can provide!

Ingo Pakleppa

On Wed, 21 May 2003 21:20:25 +0000, powburn wrote:

    >
    > Hi All,
    >
    > I've been living in the US now for 2 years, first on an L1a and now on
    > an H4 visa after being laid off last year. Since the market for H1b
    > type jobs has all but dissappeared, I'm thinking of making use of the
    > free time by studying for a degree in the US, probably through
    > distance learning.
    >
    > Am I allowed to study at a US college while on my H4 visa or do I have
    > to change status to an F1?

You can choose which one. Both have advantages. H-4 will sometimes allow
you to pay in-state tuition rates, while F-1 will allow you to work on
campus - this can be particularly important if you need an internship.

    > If I do have to change status to an F1, is it possible to change back to
    > an H4 visa again once the studies are complete?

Yes, no problem.

    > What are, if any, the study limitations under H4 or F1 visas? I'm
    > thinking of minimum course length, etc...

F-1 requires that you attend college full time; it is not available for
part-time studies. H-4 allows you to do whatever you want, except for
working.

--
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powburn

Thanks Ingo!

I thought I had that kind of flexibility on the H4, I'll probably stick with it.

We're expecting our first child around the end of July and my previous academic studies should reduce the number of courses I need for a BSc degree. The H4 should allow me to stay home with the baby and study at a managable pace.

Thanks again!