COS from L2 - F1 OR H4 - F1 ??

[capton]

I am on L2 and want to switch to F1.

1) What are eligibility requirements for F1 ?
2) how much time it takes for change of Status ?
2) once issued, how long it is valid ?
3) is is necessary to Have university admission letter before to apply F1 ?

My husband is soon switching from L1 - H1. My status then would be H4. is it better to apply now from L2 TO F1 OR wait and let my status change to H4 and then apply for F1 ?

can My husband apply for L1- H1 and Simultaneously I apply for L2 - F1 ? What are possible issues here ?

Please reply soon.

thanks everyone

[kabkaba]

If you want to study, first apply and get admission to a SEVP approved school in a degree program of your liking. Try to stay away from un-accredited degree mills.

After you get admission, the school will issue your I-20 and then you can use that to apply for change of status to F1 (from H4 or L2, whatever status you are holding at that time). You can start studying while change of status is pending, because H4 and L2 both allow studying. However, you cannot begin on-campus employment before F1 status gets approved.

[capton]

Thanks Kabkaba.I have few more queries.

Is it better to take admission on basis of L1 ? As I heard that you get some in -state discount which can be like 50% of tution fees as compared to be on H4, but I may be wrong.

OK, once I get F1, on traveling outside US , Do I need to stamp F1 Visa before entering back ? How long can I stay on vacation outside US ? are there any restrictions ?

OK, My husband's employer on getting H1 would be filling GC for him. Can his employer file my GC too from F1 as me being dependent on my husband ( not dependent through Visa but as a wife) ? OR I have to first convert to H4 and then only they can apply GC for me ? What do you recommend ?

[kabkaba]

Thanks Kabkaba.I have few more queries.

Is it better to take admission on basis of L1 ? As I heard that you get some in -state discount which can be like 50% of tution fees as compared to be on H4, but I may be wrong.

You can qualify for in-state rates in both L2 or H4 status. It depends on your state's rules. But once your status changes to F1 you must pay out-of-state tuition.

OK, once I get F1, on traveling outside US , Do I need to stamp F1 Visa before entering back ? How long can I stay on vacation outside US ? are there any restrictions ?

If you want to return in F1 status, you need F1 Visa. While in the US you must maintain full-time student status once you change to F1. There are no direct restrictions on Vacations, but your school will require that you attend full-time during the semesters.

OK, My husband's employer on getting H1 would be filling GC for him. Can his employer file my GC too from F1 as me being dependent on my husband ( not dependent through Visa but as a wife) ? OR I have to first convert to H4 and then only they can apply GC for me ? What do you recommend ?

Your filing will come at the 485 stage. You can adjust status from F1 or H4, it will not matter.

See above.