h4 to f1 conversion different ways & their duration?

Question

Hey all,
pls help me with the following query:-
i know that there are two ways to Change visa status from h4 to f1
Way 1: apply for Change of Status within US;which typically takes 3-6 months.
Way 2 : change of status by travel;i.e. travelling outside US to get F1 status stamped .but what is its duration?how long will it?
i dont have 3-6 months of time in hand so want to go for way 2;i'm already studying on H4 visa;finished 1 sem.
What are the advantages and disadvantages for each way?any related information will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

some ppl think that H4 visa holders cannot study but thats not true;H4 and L2 visa holders can study full time or part time.F2 visa holders cannot study i guess.

i want to change to F1 so that i can utilize the CPT( for internships) and OPT provisions available for F-1;which are not given for H4 visa holders.I'll have to apply for H1 after i graduate and have to wait till october of that year to get the work authorization;and there is no guarantee that my H-1 application will get selected in the lottery under general quota.

hey CPG,
how long will that take i.e.getting changing of status approved?

Answer 1

You are somewhat misinformed. To be able to travel outside to get your visa stamped you must first be approved by changing your status. You cannot simply travel outside and get it stamped without showing that you have been authorized to do so.

Edit:

There is no specific amount of time that it takes, unfortunately it takes as long as it takes, however you are talking months as opposed to weeks to for approval but to reduce any unnecessary delays in the processing of your request, make sure you read the instructions on Form I-539, fill it out correctly and submit the required documentation.

You are aware that to change your status to that of an F1 you are required to re-apply to your university and obtain an I-20, you will then have to pay the $100 SEVIS fee. You must be in possession of the I-20 and SEVIS receipt before you file I-539. You are also required to show you can fund your tuition and over expenses, which shouldn't be a problem with your husband working, but you will still need to provide that evidence.

Also if you change from H4 to F1, you are no longer eligible for in-state tuition, depending on which institution you are attending you will be required to pay either the out-of-state fees or the international students fees - some schools do not have the latter.

Answer 2

You should have F-1 Status to study in US, cannot study with H-4. To obtain F-1 Status, with the I-20 from the school you are attending, you file for Extend/Change of Non-immigrant Status. F-1's duration will be the duration to complete the degree at school, e.g. for Masters degree 3 years, Doctoral degree 6 to 7 years. If you have the Approval Notice, you don't have to have Visa Stamped unless you need to travel outside of US immediately. You can get Visa Stamped from US Embassy or Consulate when you travel. Visa is a stamp to enter the US, and it has nothing to do with your status. To make sure, consult with immigration lawyer.

Answer 3

Stay on the H4 visa, you can study on that, and you can study on the F1 visa. Why change?

~On the H4 visa you are dependent on the H1B holder. So for example if they were fired from their job your visa would cease to be valid as your visa is dependent on their visa.
~You could be refused for a F1 visa there is no guarantee on any visa application.

Answer 4

You can study on this visa, a H4.