My girlfriend is not a citizen, nor resident, can she still study here in the United States?

Question

My girlfriend is not a citizen, nor resident, can she still study here in the United States? I love her so much and I don't want her to leave just because she can't go to college over here. I need help, is there a way? I'm a resident soon to be citizen, I'm 20, she's 18.

she came over here illegaly, I guess if she leaves, I'll leave

Answer 1

As an illegal, she may well be able to go to school, depending. Different schools and different states have different policies on this. Getting work afterwards is a much bigger problem as the types of jobs college grads look for definitely check for immigration status.

She could, in theory, leave the US and apply for a student visa, depending on just how old she is. Her time spent here illegally before the age of 18 doesn't really count against her in terms of setting up an absolute ineligibility. Her time spent in the US illegally after the age of 18 does. Once she's spent at least six months here illegally after her 18th birthday, she's ineligible for a visa for 3 years, and after a year of illegal presence, it goes up to 10 years. In reality though, I think it's very unlikely that a consular officer would issue a student visa to someone who's already spent most of her life living illegally in the US. There's nothing you can do as a permanent resident that will change this. Once you become a citizen, you can marry of course and file the proper paperwork. She'd still have to leave the US for a bit since she's never had any status in the US from what you're saying, but if you're both in love and determined, it can work out.

Answer 2

What is her current status in the United States?

She may be able to adjust her status to that of a student (F1) by filing Form I-539, Application To Extend/Change Non-immigrant Status.

For this to be approved she would need to submit her I-94, I-20 and documentation that she can pay for her studies and support herself for the duration of her stay.

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=94d12c1a6855d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

First however she would have to apply to the university that she wishes to attend and meet the requirements set forth by that institution for admission as an international student. If she is accepted she will be issued with the I-20 and then she can file the above form with the I-20, I-94, financial proof and all the other relevent documentation.

Edit:

In light of your aditional information, then there is nothing she can do, she is here illegally. Illegals are not able to adjust their status, she would have to return home and apply from there - the legal way.

Answer 3

She needs a student visa. You don't mention what type of visa she is currently here on, but there are three types of student visas:

* Academic Studies (F visa): For people who have been accepted into a program to study or conduct research at an accredited U.S. college or university.
* Non-Academic or Vocational Studies (M Visa) : For people who have been accepted into a program to study or train at a non-academic institution in the U.S.
* Academic Studies as an Exchange Visitor (J Visas) : For people who have been accepted into a program through a designated sponsoring organization to participate in an exchange visitor program in the U.S. The "J" visa is for educational and cultural exchange programs.

See the link below for more information

Answer 4

Yes she can, there are many colleges that will let you take classes without being a resident or citizen.

Answer 5

Yes she can but unfortunately it will be very expensive. You can go to your local college and get more info. Good luck!

Answer 6

the only way she can studdy if she has a green card but if you look online some one can do it for you I'm not saying that it is rite but some people over look thoes things and only glance at so its up to you just like a fake ID or a diploma mill those things but I think bush has just past a law that if she was born befor a date she can have a ID I dont know were to go but check out some (GOV) ment sties ok

Answer 7

WIth a visa... my bf goes to college here, he has a visa,...he's from Africa... but I think he has to go back after college is over because it's a student visa... unless he marries someone who's American... (I'm American but not considering marriage yet)

Answer 8

I think it is time for you both to pack your bags. She is a criminal illegal alien and you are not a citizen. If you want to be together, do it in her country.

Answer 9

with prior permission from the competent Authority

Answer 10

yes but she needs to become a citizen. its a long process though!