Can we study on H4 status? Or need to change to F1?

Hi Friends,

Can anyone tell me doing MS online from state university is it worth. Does it have value and is it worth paying that much of money?

Thank You
Gargi

To all the H4 ppl out there. Here is the info I have got. The reason I have this info is because I helped a friend's wife join a Masters program in Computer Science.

1) On H4, generally the fees that needs to be paid is less (at least for state colleges). In my case, the fees paid by a regular student who is on F1 was approximately $500 per credit where as for H4 it was approximately $250. This can change from college to college and state to state.

2) Neither H4 nor F1 are eligible for a student aid that is provided by the federal govt. unless there is a Green Card holder or a Citizen who can co-sign it.

3) H4 is not eligible for Tuition Assistance or any kind of assistance for which an F1 is eligible

4) H4 can take breaks between semesters and do not have to apply as a full-time student unlike F1

5) H4 is not eligible for Internship or any kind of work.

Basically, H4 is a very restricted visa. In order to do any work, one has to either have a EAD or be a citizenship.

If you have any kinds of questions, then contact the University International Student Office. They are generally helpful. They also can help students to convert from H4 to F1.

Hope this helps.

Hi All,

Just happened to read this thread so responding to some questions.
I am on H4 and currently enrolled in an MA program in SFSU.
some answers-

- you can study on H4 in state universities.
-but you can't receive any funding or part time jobs while on h4.
- now if you have been on H4 in US for an year you can then claim instate tuition, which is way lesser than what an F1 student pays.
- The state universities don't really have much in terms of funding esp in Masters programs, the private univs on the other hand have a bigger funding esp for phd progrms.

Hope that helps.

Deepa

Hi Shal,

Are you enrolled in SFSU? I am enrolled for an MA progm in SFSU .Am a bit confused about my visa standing. I am on H4 and also a resident here so claimed and got instate tuition. But on H4 I wil'nt be able to get any TA/RAs. Is it possible to change to F1 and still be able to claim instate tuition. Kindly advise.

Deepa

Hi,

I have just joined this forum. I came to US on H4 and want to do MS in Computer Science. All universities are asking for GRE and TOEFL scores to get the admission in masters on H4. Can anybody tell me whether it is mandatory to have these scores? Which universities does allow to do masters without these scores?

I appreciate ur help.

Thanks

Originally Posted by sshava

Hi,

I have just joined this forum. I came to US on H4 and want to do MS in Computer Science. All universities are asking for GRE and TOEFL scores to get the admission in masters on H4. Can anybody tell me whether it is mandatory to have these scores? Which universities does allow to do masters without these scores?

I appreciate ur help.

Thanks

hey,
I don't think there are any universities where you could apply without these scores in the US. TOEFL is mandatory for all foreign student and its a pretty easy test to crack. As far as GRE is concerned , some courses ask for the GRE score whereas in courses like MBA you need the GMAT score. The university websites usually give you the full information regarding admission requirements.

The schools that you apply to judge your application on your GPA score, GRE/GMAT score and your personal statement. Admissions to many good US universities are pretty competitive and would require good preparation.

Hope this helps,

Deepa Nair

Originally Posted by deepanair

Hi Shal,

Are you enrolled in SFSU? I am enrolled for an MA progm in SFSU .Am a bit confused about my visa standing. I am on H4 and also a resident here so claimed and got instate tuition. But on H4 I wil'nt be able to get any TA/RAs. Is it possible to change to F1 and still be able to claim instate tuition. Kindly advise.

Deepa

Hi Deepa,

I'm sorry to jump into the conversation, but I think I can answer your question. I was initially on an H4 visa and then switched to an F1 upon gaining admission to graduate school at a state university in FL. Students on F1 visas are considered as international students and are ineligible for in state resident tuition fees. However, being on an F1 is often the only way in which you can receive an TA/RA which might be available in your program. Also, on an F1 visa, one is eligible to apply for an EAD (this needs to be done just prior to graduation). This EAD (employment authorization document) is NOT the same as what one might get during the Green Card process. The F1-EAD allows the incumbent to work in an area in their field of study for upto one year (3 years if you graduate in a STEM subject). Having an F1-EAD is usually a good way to get your foot in the door for a job and gain valuable experience, since often potential empoyers might be skeptical about going through the whole H1 visa thing with a novice.

Just my two-bits worth...Hope this helps! I will be happy to answer any questions that might arise, since I've gone through the whole H4-F1-H1 rigmarole (though my H4-F1 experience was in 2002, so things have probably changed now).

All the best!

Chitra.

Hey pls tell me what all documents are required to study on H4 visa.Can TOEFL can be waived off as i am in usa since november 08.

Hi
I am on h4
I complete my btech computers.
I want t do m masters in the same branch.
In the univeresity sites to apply it is given as finacial aid.
what is meant by finacal aid?I think the money spend for our studies to complete it.I guess
as a h4 student how can we sow the finacial aid?

Sravani