H1B visa is a temporary work visa, issued to foreign born workers who possess at least Bachelor's degree. H4 visa is issued to the dependent family members (spouses and children) of H1B visa holders who accompany the H1B visa holder in the US during their period of the stay.
Many of the students who come to the US to pursue higher education eventually apply for H1B visa after completing their education and optional practical training. Sooner or later, people get married and their spouses come to the US on H4 visas.
Legally, H4 visa holder is NOT permitted to work. In many ways it is sad because most of the spouses of H1B visa holders are themselves highly educated. Many of them possess Bachelor's degrees in Engineering or STEM related majors. Doing nothing is a waste of their time, talent, and an opportunity cost for the US.
Therefore, H4 spouses may have to find some other means to make their time productive. One of the ways to do so would be to pursue higher education in the US. My wife completed her Master's degree while on her H4 visa.
This blog post provides further information how H4 visa holders can get tuition assistance to help ease the financial burden.
If you have lived continuously for 1 year or longer in your state, you may be eligible for in-state tuition rates. In-state tuition rates will cut your tuition in half or even more.
Since you and your spouse have lived in the state (and paid your fair share of the state and federal taxes), many states allow you to claim in-state tuition rates like any US citizen. In addition to the proof of the residency, some states require further proof that your spouse's greencard application has been filed at least one year in advance before applying for in-state tuition eligibility.
My wife received in-state tuition eligibility based on our greencard application. In our particular case, I had cleared only the first step in the greencard process and our application was filed more than a year in advance. Therefore, it was not difficult to convince them of our bona-fide residency as well as employment in the state.
Most universities don't make this process automatic and certainly don't advertise it. Therefore, be sure to ask questions to the admissions department about in-state eligibility forms and paperwork. Also, you may be able to find guidelines and rules from the board of regent's website for your state.
Furthermore, when you prepare your taxes, you may be able to deduct tuition and related expenses as a tuition and fees deduction. You can claim qualified tuition and fees as tuition and fees deduction up to $2000 (or something to this effect).
Universities send out 1098-T form when the new year begins. Be sure to use this form to claim your deduction. We took advantage of this deduction for 3 years while my wife was in school. This deduction saves you money on top of the reduced in-state tuition fees.
Education is one of the best investment you can make to your own future. America provides some of the best educational facilities in the world. Libraries and lab facilities are excellent. Professors and administrative staff go out of their way to help students.
If you are sincere and motivated, you can achieve your dreams. Studying at a university is also a great way to learn about the American culture, get acquainted with the American people and with the language, what to say, what not to say, how to say, how to ask for help etc. You can learn all kinds of soft skills during this period, which in my opinion is highly valuable for H4 spouses who don't get the same opportunities as their H1 spouses who work.
If you are a H1 visa holder and reading this article, just know that education is a best form of gift you can give to your spouse. We don't realize how painfully boring it sometimes can be for the spouse who stays at home. Education provides them an opportunity to go out, make new friends, be productive, and increase their self-worth.
Both me and my wife have taken advantage of the educational opportunities in the US and would highly recommend the same to H4 spouses who may otherwise sit idle as they can't work legally.
Hey there! I am here in USA from almost last 2 nd a half year! First of all thanks for sharing such useful info. Currently I'm trying to get complete info regarding higher studies in USA! But there r more confusions regarding few things! I would appreciate if u can help, as u said ur wife continued her studies here! So I'm interested in doing MS this year. I have already done masters in computer science with honors from India! All the search I have made till now, tells me that I have to take two tests for entrance. One is TOEFL nd other is SAT or ACT! But some links says, that SAT Or ACT is required for entering in a bachelor degree nd not for masters degree. They say, for the Masters degree I need to take GRE? Can u please guide me which tests exactly do I need to take?! So that I can start prep ASAP. P.S. the universities of my interest are: Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Columbia (NYC), MIT (MA). Will wait for ur reply... Thanks in Advance. Tc
ReplyDeleteI don't know if your question is spam or a genuine one. But, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. You're aspiring to get into some of the topmost colleges in the world..yet you didn't take time to visit these colleges' website to find out requirements for admissions into their graduate schools.
ReplyDeleteTo answer your question, you would need GRE. If you remain in the H4 status (assuming you are in H4), they may waive the requirements for TOEFL since you're already in the US. If you change your status to F1 International Student, then you would need TOEFL as well.
Hope this helps.
Thank you for reply....! Well... I don't know wht make u think that my question is a spam... Anyways... I want to tell that I visited all these websites of all theses univs... But trust me neither of them mentioned anything about GRE.... the only tests they mentioned were SAT or ACT nd TOEFL. But from individuals like 1 or 2 whom i known did MS from here, they got entrance thru GRE of course..... But bcoz in my case, I didn't find anything abt GRE on any of those websites, so I was not sure abt the testing policy... Nd still NOT :( ..! Anyways... Thanks for ur time. I appreciate!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your feedback. Sorry, I was a bit harsh yesterday in my reply. As I think back, my comments regarding you didn't spend time visiting these sites were also judgmental and inappropriate. Sorry about that.
ReplyDeleteYou do need GRE to pursue Master's or PhD degrees. Some smaller colleges waive GRE requirements if you are in the US or when you've already done Master's in the US. But, the colleges you mentioned would not be doing it because GRE usually determines the caliber of the prospective students. Since, they are top colleges, they would want to make sure the incoming students are top-notch as well.
You can also send an email to Graduate School's Admissions office explaining your situation and asking them about admissions requirements. They would reply back.
Hope this helps. Good luck with GRE and Admissions.
Thank You! Hope this will work! I found ur article while I was searching for requirements of MS ofcourse. I read it nd thought u might help. Any kind of Further related information from u will be appreciated! yes, Apologies accepted...Gud Day! Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteI wrote a detailed article for graduate studies in the US. This article was geared towards F1 students applying from India. But, you may still find pertinent information applicable to your situation.
ReplyDeleteIf you'd like to pursue your studies in Fall 2013, then you would need to quickly move forward with GRE preparation and taking the test. You may want to visit each of the schools and figure out application deadlines and work your way backwards for when to take GRE exam. You would also need to collect recommendation letters.
I forgot to mention earlier that my wife, who was on H4 visa, had to take GRE. She did not need to take TOEFL as they waived it for being in the US.
In my own case, I came to the US on F1 visa for Master's degree. I had to take GRE and TOEFL. But, for my second Master's degree, I did not need to take any of those tests. The reason was that this program was geared towards professionals and the school did not want to be burdensome by adding extra requirements. Transcripts, Job experience, and recommendations were sufficient.
I hope this helps.
Here is the article I mentioned above: A Simple Guide to Graduate Studies in the US
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot once again! It is very helpful indeed. THANKS!
ReplyDeleteI am on H1b and living in the state of Illinois for the past 2 years. My GC is in the process and my wife is on H4 visa .She will be coming to US on H4 visa (Dependent). She intends to do her MS in Illinois .for her to receive instate tuition does she have to be living in the Illinois for the past 12 months?
ReplyDeleteSiva,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the question. The in-state tuition eligibility requirements generally vary from state to state. You should check to see if the university she is going to apply has any special requirements. The fact that you have lived in the state of Illinois for 2 years, have your greencard applied, and that you and her are married should be enough to prove in-state eligibility. Generally speaking, people who handle this paperwork at the universities aren't really experts at immigration matters. If you provide sufficient documentation and make a convincing case, she may receive the in-state without any problems. If they check her visa in the passport and check her arrival date, that may cause problem. But, you could counter them telling that you had been living in the state for 2 years. Hope this helps.
Hi
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the information.
I am Suriya. I have H1B visa and My wife has H4. We will start our life in US from september 2013 in indiana state. She have Masters degree in computer science engineering. She is willing to do Phd in US.
I found in you blog that PHd Can be done in universities using H4 Status
. Can it be done without GRE or TOFLE exam. I refer it not required from below lines of your blog
"Some smaller colleges waive GRE requirements if you are in the US"
do you have any Idea on such colleges indiana. what would be the approximate cost for studying.
Thanks in advance.
Suriya,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations for coming to the US. Yes, there are no restrictions on the type of education and degree you can pursue while on H4 visa including Bachelors, Master's and PhD.
It is certainly possible to get admitted without a TOEFL especially when you are in the US. Some colleges waive GRE requirement, but you have to have done your Master's degree in the US or are applying to the same college where you have done your Master's degree. For PhD's GRE is typically required. There are several colleges that offer MBA degrees without GMAT or TOEFL requirements. Some colleges in California (used to) offer Master's in Computer Science without GRE, but they need TOEFL (example, CSU Chico).
I do not have information about colleges in Indiana. But, if you're going for a PhD degree, I'd suggest that you apply to a reputed college.
In terms of costs, it depends how you get classified for tuition. If you qualify for in-state tuition (the same charged for American citizens living in Indiana), then you are looking at approximately $5000 (rough guess). But, if they qualify you as non-resident (charged for international students and out-of-state American citizens), then around ~$10,000-$12,000.
Also, note that H4 student cannot take an on-campus job or earn any stipend through RA or TA. Some people change their status from H4 to F1. But, it is not without risks as you may not get approved for a F1 visa. Also, you may need to travel outside to get F1 stamp on your passport. In particular case, my wife completed her Master's while remaining on H4 because she was eligible for in-state tuition and we did not want to risk her H4 status.
For particular universities where you will apply, you will need to research about requirements for in-state eligibility because they vary from state to state and univ to univ. In my state, it requires the student to have lived in the state for minimum of 1 year and greencard process must have started with clear documentation to show what stage you are on (labor certification approval, or I-140 approval, or I-485 application). I hope this helps.
First of all I would say, its a very informative article. I have some doubts. I was on F-1 visa in California doing my masters for 2 years. For some reasons, I am planning to transfer to another university in California itself, change to H4 to get in-state tuition benefits. My husband has been living in california since last 6 years and has applied for green card too. So the university tells me that I need to be on H4 for atleast a year to be eligible for in-state. Can I still pursue to get reduced tuition?
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting. If the university is telling you to be on H4 visa for at least a year to be eligible for in-state tuition, then they probably are following some kind of rule or law that may be applicable within the university system in California or that particular university has probably set up its own rule to limit in-state eligibility. If this is the case, you probably won't succeed. Also, staying on F1 has advantages such as on-campus employment or OPT after graduation. If you still want to pursue H4, then you may need to take minimum course work (1 course per semester) or take a break for a year until you become eligible.
ReplyDeleteI've also read that people who remain on H4 to get in-state eligibility and change to F1 in their last semester to get OPT benefits, some universities now make you stay on F1 status for at least 1 year, otherwise you will have to pay them the tuition you saved during your in-state eligibility on H4.
Hope this helps.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the sharing the good information. We have been staying in Folsom, CA for 1.8 months. My wife completed Bsc in computer Science in India. She is interested to take MS in computer Science. Is there any good colleges in Folsom CA area and does she get any in-state tuitition fees. Can she get OPT without changing her H4 visa. Please advise.
Murali.
Murali,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments. Most likely, your wife will not qualify for in-state tuition fees. The reason is that you need to reside in the state for a minimum of one year. Plus, you need to have your greencard application filed. Please check eligibility requirements with universities where you wish to apply because these requirements change from state-to-state.
I don't live in California so I don't know what are some of the good colleges near Folsom, CA. I'd suggest that you research this online yourself and visit nearby campuses during weekends. Also, check if she would qualify for admission into the MS degree program based on her Bsc degree because MS degree requires a 4-year Bachelor's degree. Bsc degree from India is typically a 3-year degree. I'm assuming your wife's degree is also a 3 year degree.
She definitely won't get OPT on her H4 visa. OPT is a benefit given to F1 Student visa holders so they can optionally complete the optional practical training (aka job) hence the name OPT.
Hope this helps and good luck.
Thank you very much for posting this blog. It is a highly inspirational blog for women which are on H4 who wants to study on H4. I am posting this blog on facebook....:)
ReplyDeleteRia,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words. Women on H4 visa need to be empowered and be given freedom to work. Education is just a simple step women can take before they are able to work. Thanks for posting this blog on your facebook page.
I want to do PhD from US on H4 status only because it will be a risk in changing status ?, will it be possible?
ReplyDeleteIs it true that H4 are eligible for state fellowships?
Ria,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments. It is certainly possible to PhD (or any degree for that matter) in the US on H4 status.
I'm not sure about the eligibility for state fellowship for one particular reason. Legally, H4 visa holders aren't allowed to work and earn money. You might argue that this technically not work, but money for your education. But, it is still money earned in the eyes of IRS and may be USCIS.
If the university provides you fellowship in the form of monthly stipend, then you have a couple of hurdles to cross. The university will require SSN so they could send you W2 or 1099 at the end of the year. SSA office will not provide you with SSN because you are on H4 visa.
If the university is providing you with fellowship in the form of tuition waiver, then you are probably fine. It is no different than in-state tuition waivers I described in the blog post.
If the university is providing fellowship in the form of lump-sum payment scholarship, then you would need to inquire further whether this constitutes as compensation towards work or not and whether or not you will receive W2 or some equivalent document to file along with your taxes.
I don't want to give you any wrong advice. This is based on my knowledge. You may also benefit from getting opinions from immigration attorneys like Sheela Murthy. Hope this helps.
thanks a lot for a reply. This information is highly valuable for me
ReplyDeletehi,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate you for building such an informative blog. many of my doubts about h4 visa got clarified except few. I am on h4 in us for about 7 months. I hold m.tech degree from india and am planning to apply for MS (felt Phd will be too tough for me to handle) in us.
1.Am i eligible to apply for masters while i already hold one?
2. Can you suggest me if it is better to apply as a grad student or under grad student (without letting the university know about my previous masters degree)
3. if i apply as a grad student should i attach just my masters transcripts or also my bachelors transcripts with college applicaion.
please help me with this..
Hi
ReplyDeleteMy husband is a H1B visa holder. He is employed in Dover,NewHampshire. Am an engineering graduate (BE-EEE) , currently working in a reputed IT firm. I will be travelling to US in the mid of Sept on a H4 visa.
Kindly guide me regarding the best universities avaialble near Dover. Also regarding the tution fees and educational loans. When can i apply for MS/MBA. I have not taken up GRE .
Ramya,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments. Welcome to the USA. I'm not familiar with universities in and around New Hampshire. But, your hubby may be able to research this for you since he lives there.
Also, regarding tuition fees, it depends whether you would be treated as a non-resident or a bona-fide resident for in-state tuition eligibility purposes. This all depends on his greencard situation as well as particular rules of the university system in your state as well as the particular university where you would apply. In general, non-resident tuition fees hover between $8000-12,000 per semester (3 courses/9 credit hours) depending on the university. If you qualify for in-state tuition fees, then you would save a minimum of 50-60%. I've talked about in-state eligibility on this blog post.
Since you would be in US, deadlines for Spring Semester application can go as late as October/November. But, you would need to be finished with your GRE, Recommendations, Transcripts, SOP, and all the materials required for the application. Check application deadline dates on the university website where you would plan on applying. My personal feeling is that you would need to wait until the Fall semester because it takes time to prepare for GRE and make your applications. It is certainly possible if you're already prepared and have all your documents ready. But, if you want to take your time, get acclimated with the US weather, culture, language, surroundings etc. you can certainly wait to apply for the Fall semester. The deadlines for Fall semesters are generally in March/April.
If you go MS, then typically GRE is required. If you go for an MBA, then GMAT is required. Some schools waive GMAT requirements. So, research this first and you would be able to apply quickly.
I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any further questions.
Hello
ReplyDeleteFirstly, thanks for this blog. Not only informative but motivational too. I'm in H4 visa and currently applying for universities for pursuing grad level certificate courses and they ask for SSN number. I inquired the university about this, and they asked me to apply as international student but still the problem persists. I've to provide either F1 visa or SSN for international application. Can you tell me what did your wife do when she applied for MS ? Appreciate your reply.
Thanks
T
Thulasi,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words. I don't know when you came to the US on H4 visa or not. If it has been before April 15, 2013, your husband must have filed his income tax returns (most likely as 'married filing jointly'). If this is the case, then you would have received Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) from IRS. This number is given to people who can't work, but still need to file tax returns. Use ITIN in place of SSN on the application. I did the same for my wife. Also, do not apply as F1 International Student because that will change your status from H4 to F1. F1 status comes with its advantages and disadvantages. Advantage of F1 is that you can work on campus and can accept assistantship and it will give you OPT EAD for 1 year once you graduate. But, disadvantage is that you have to change the status. If you have to travel abroad, you will need to go to the consulate to get a F1 stamp. Plus, it is not guaranteed that it will get approved. I've already talked about advantages and disadvantages of H4 visa in the above article. Hope this information helps you.
Hello,
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for all the information your provided. My name is Rajesh and I came to USA 4 years ago. I am a resident of Chicago for more than 1.5 years now. My wife came to USA on H4 3 months ago. I am looking for a cost efficient option for her to pursue her education and possible future employment in the US.
However, she is from a non IT background. She has done her Masters in Microbiology. I am looking at possible options for pursuing her Masters here. If she does that on her H4, will she be eligible for in state tution fee? Also, if she finishes her education while on H4, what are her options once she finish her Masters? Will she be eligible for applying for H1B under the Masters quota?
Are community colleges a viable option than big universities?
Appreciate your suggestions!
Thanks again
Rajesh
Rajesh,
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting. In-state eligibility varies from state-to-state and from college-to-college. So, I'd advise you to look into school's website or inquire with their admissions office. Also, many times, greencard application filing is a requirement for in-state eligibility in order to be considered as a bonafide resident of the state.
After she finishes MS while on H4, her only option is to convert it to H1B. It is not impossible as long as she finds a job before October 1 and the H1B quota remains available, but is generally challenging. I say this because many employers are not willing to apply in April 1st (when USCIS starts collecting applications) and wait for the employee to join on October 1st (when the H1B starts after approval). This is a long period of time for employers to wait and works against the H4 people.
If you have filed your greencard application or are near filing I-485 which will give you and your wife EAD, then that gives you the most flexibility as she would not have to rely on H1B visa as a means to find employment. If you have not filed for greencard, then make that your priority.
Community college is a good option too. You will just need to make sure they offer Master's degree in the field she wants to pursue. Hope this helps.
I got my H1B stamped this year and I might travel in the month Jan 2014 my husband would be applying for H4 visa. Wanted to know the Questions an husband can be asked during an dependent Visa. Can he easily get the VIsa as most of the times I have seen wives get through the dependent Visa so can you please help me with this and My Husband is planning to do a PhD from the US.
ReplyDeleteThanks
Nima
Nima,
ReplyDeleteI personally don't believe your husband would have any trouble getting the H4 visa. The reason is that you already got your H1 stamped, which is generally the biggest hurdle when somebody seeks H1 visa the very first times. He will be asked typical questions like they ask for H4 wives. He may be asked additional questions on what he plans to do there with his time. But, I don't believe the visa officer will give him a hard time because they are generally sympathetic to the dependent visa holders. Hope this helps.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate for your motivational and valuable information, which is being shared in this blog through out. I'm a h4 holder since this Oct 2013, as I got married in this Sep. And my husband has filed for green card on this last month, Nov. He has been here in CA with h1B visa status, since 2011. I hold a B.Tech degree in IT (2011) with 70% marks, and my 10th with 83%, and 12th with 83%. I would like to do MS in Computer Science, with minimum cost of tuition fee. So, should I have to secure GRE for applying MS here in CA? And when could I apply for an admission with the in-state eligibility ? Mere 2014? or 2015 so as to complete my one year stay in CA? And also, once after completing MS in h4, how long it will take to change from h4 to h1B, so as to work here in US? And what's the overall cost of doing MS with in-state eligibility (any idea)? As an overview, can you say what all are the procedures and steps to be taken (what all exams has to be passed, how to file for application. either contacting any agent or directly with universities, etc), so as to apply for MS?
Really appreciate your valuable suggestions!
Thanks,
Seenu
Seenu,
ReplyDeleteThanks for contacting me via this blog. To answer your questions:
(1) Yes, most of the schools require GRE test scores.
(2) When you become eligible for in-state tuition benefits depends on the university as well as state rules. In Georgia, they have a rule of residency of 1 year in the state as well as 1 year for GC application. You should inquire about this to the universities you want to apply.
(3) Changing from H4 to H1B is tricky question to answer. First, you need to have a job whose employer is willing to sponsor for H1B visa. Secondly, H1B visa has a fixed amount of quota every year and it runs out quickly within few months. Quota opens in April and if approved, H1B holder can start the job in October. There are a lot of variables involved and things have to line up for you to secure a job as well as H1B visa and the employer must be willing to wait until October. This is problematic for H4 visa holders. To avoid this issue, many people also convert their H4 to F1. F1 gives you 1 year of OPT with an ability to extend for another 17 months. F1 also makes you eligible for on-campus jobs and assistantships. The disadvantage of F1 visa is that if you don't get the assistantship, then you have to pay full non-resident tuition fees which are at least twice as high as in-state fees. Before you convert to F1, be sure to understand the ramifications of F1 visa on your immigration process. There are pros and cons of both approaches.
(4) As for overall cost of doing MS, it depends on the university and the location. Here is Georgia, my wife completed her MS in less than $10,000 (including books and other expenses) with in-state eligibility.
(5) Your first step would be to narrow down the universities. Then visit each of them to see their admission checklist, it will list out what exactly you need including whether they need GRE and/or TOEFL. Then prepare for GRE. Once the scores are in, apply online to the university. Wait for the decision.
Hope this helps.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI am Megha, Electronics Engg, working with eputed MNC in India, in june 2014 i will be getting married.
I am looking for working as well as studing options in USA. I am trying to go clear my TOEFL & GRE. BUt please let me know another option.
Megha,
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your upcoming marriage and arrival in the US. You're on the right track by taking GRE and TOEFL. Some schools waive TOEFL for H4 people who have been in the US for a while and not totally new to the country. But I'd personally take it if you have time. I've written a guide for students applying for graduate studies. For you the process will be very simple because you're not coming as a F1 International student. You will need only recommendation letters from your professors and official transcripts. Be sure to take multiple sets before you come.
http://www.buyandholdblog.com/complete-reference-guide-to-graduate-studies-in-usa/
Hope this helps.
Hi,
ReplyDelete. I am a B.Tech graduate with a good academic record and a valid GRE score. I am currently employed in India in a reputed organization and I have 4+years of experience. I am getting married to a H1B holder soon and would like to start my MBA application for Fall 2015. So if I apply for the universities and secure a seat now in round1, will I be able to apply for in state tuition fees later after I receive my marriage certificate on February 2015 ? What are my possible options to minimize my tuition fees ?
Yes, you will be able to apply for in-state tuition later on, in fact you can apply it in Fall 2015 when you actually begin your classes.
DeleteHi.
ReplyDeleteI'm Reji and I'm on H4 too. I need suggestions about studying in H4 or changing my Visa to F1. I have my bachelors in physics (3 years). I wish to do Masters here (with a bridge course).
I'm scared of the risks involving F1 Visa. I cannot go back to India leaving my 18 months old kid and husband here. I have no solid support in India (my parents are no more). And also I may not work while studying coz of the baby (TA/RA ruled out).
My only worry is the 1 year OPT and the possibility of getting a job in H4 visa and being sponsored for H1B . Since your wife studied on H4 I wish you could help me get an idea. Please advise me.
Thanks
In my wife's case, she got pregnant with our first baby soon after she graduated in 2009. Also, due to deep recession, chances of her getting hired on H1 visa were slim to none. So, she stayed out of the market since then. Also, we had another baby last year, so she will stay out of the market for another 2 years. Long story short, due to child rearing responsibilities, she has not had a chance to enter the job market. She also likes being a stay-at-home mom now. With that said, our sponsorship issues are gone now because we received on EAD cards (GC-based) in 2012 and greencards in 2014. I guess, this experience doesn't really help you. But, see if you can target your course completion based on when you expect to get EAD cards and work backwards. I know it is hard to predict when one gets to apply for I-485/I-765 to get EAD cards, but if your husband has applied in the last few years, generally the rule of thumb is to add 5 years to when you first applied for labor certification for your greencard to get chance to apply for EAD in the EB2 category of the greencard. You may also decide to take a plunge now, like we did and see where the job market takes you. In our case, we took the risk of staying on H4 to get the in-state tuition rates at the expense of not getting a job/H1 sponsorship after graduation.
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI am a H4 visa holder and living in the US for the past 8 months.I have MBA degree from India and I would like to get into an administrative fellowship. I tried reaching out many centers via email and found that being a H4 visa holder I wouldn't be eligible for this program as it is a salaried fellowship. The fellowship program starts in June/ July 2015 in most of the centers. So is there any way by which I could get my visa converted into F1 before this year end?
I cannot say what the timelines could be for converting your H4 into F1 visa. You will need to research about this conversion at uscis website or consult an immigration attorney.
DeleteHie
ReplyDeleteI recently came to US on H4 visa and I am willing to do Phd can anyone tell me the approx tution fees and eligibility criteria please let me know good schools for the same
Hi Sowjanya,
DeleteI'd suggest that you find universities that are near your city. Just google them and find the tuition costs.
Hi, I am Pari , computer science engg. , working with reputed MNC in India, I came USA at H4 visa with my husband (h1 visa holder). Now I am looking for working as well as studying option in USA I have cleared toefl nd appear to clear GMAT But let me know another option to get a job first or getting adm. For MBA in good Universities of USA
ReplyDeleteHi Pari, there is an executive order by the president to offer employment authorization (EAD) cards to H4 visa holders that will go into effect very soon in the next few months. That will allow you to find a job. Once you get settled at a job, you can then pursue your MBA part-time at a nearby university. If you want to go for full-time education, then the job you will need to pursue will need to be part-time jobs. Hope this helps.
Delete
ReplyDeleteGRE exam is a requirement for admission in such programs i.e. Masters, PhD etc. But no where in the world..., they use it to grade your PhD or your working during PhD.
MS or PhD
Hello Gentleman
ReplyDeleteThanks for such an informative and motivational article. Kindly clarify my doubts as well .
My husband has travelled to USA California on his H1B Visa. Even I have to travel along with him and have got my H4 Visa approved. I hold masters of computer application degree and have 4 years of work experience in a reputed MNC in India. I want to continue with my carrier in USA. Please guide me what are the various ways by which I can obtain valid work permit. I am willing to study as well if it can help me in obtaining valid work visa.
Looking forward for your reply.
Thanks in advance :)
You should apply for EAD for H4 visa holders. This option just became available for H4 spouses, who couldn't work previously.
Deletehello,
ReplyDeletemy husband is on H1B in NJ, and i am planing to travel to USA by 2016 end on H4 visa. I have done master (M.TECH) in india.
What you will suggest me to get work permit there.
My husband has not apply for GC yet so will I be eligible for EAD? or should i take admission on depend visa? will i be international student if i take admission on H4 visa. I have taken GRE and IELTS both exams but got average score so can you suggest me some college near NJ ?
Hi
ReplyDeleteMy husband GC is in process, We are Texas and I'm done with M.Tech in India and I'm also holding H4-EAD card. Can you please help me with the exams and tuition fees and whether I can apply for Assistanceships in the universities
Hi ,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your patience to answer all the questions.
We are located at Texas, my husband GC is in process and I'm holding M.tech qualification from India and I'm on H4-EAD visa. I'm working for a company since 2 months. Now I'm planning for masters again here in Texas so my doubts are
1. What exams do I need to give for masters?
2. How much would be the tuition fees?
3. I'm I eligible for assistantships in universities?
4. Can I work in the universities?
5. I'm I eligible for scholarships ??
Thanks in advance
Bindu Dinesh!
Hello,
ReplyDeleteMy query is about the admission process. Since you mentioned your wife applied to grad school on H4, i would like to know how had she approached her statement of purpose. How had she indicated her keeness ? Had she mentioned that she is on h4 and would like to use her time effectively ? Or that she is interested in studying because of her interest in the field. I feel that convincing the adcom about interest in studies is difficult for people on H4 since they know that people on h4 can't work and that's the only reason why they're enrolling.