Can I study in the USA and become a Citizen in the Process?

[tiefighter88]

Hello,

I am an Australian, 19 years old, just finished high school. I want to move to Florida to study Engineering and become a citizen during my studies. The degree is over 4 or 5 years, and I want to be able to spend this time as a permenant residant, so I can work during and after I gain the degree.

Can somebody please offer me some advice? I am moving to the USA this time next year and I want to get my immigration process started.

Regards,
Douglas

[topcatin]

I am 100% sure it is not possible to get citizenship like that while student. You will be on F1 visa and then will have to get a work visa like H1 and then your green card comes into the picture.

[poisontee]

A F 1 Visa will not get you a green card.

However, there are ways you can still get a green card or even citizenship while still in school.

One, If you come to the states and find the love of your life and get married,
You can get your Green card in 3 years of marriage and living together. You will get a work permit immediately. Your work permits gets into effect immediately after your file the papers. The whole process to get your 10 yrs green card will take three years and then You can even apply for citizenship if you so desire.

The other option will be to get a company to sponsor your, which is usually after you finish your school. This one will take more time.

Good luck!

[tiefighter88]

like H1 and then your green card comes into the picture.

So, I can do it? Get the F-1 Study Visa, then while at college get the H2-B Work visa. How exactly does a Green Card come into the picture now?

I am aware of the Green Card lottary, can I apply for this in the mean time while trying to get my Visa? Or am I not allowed to apply for both?

So marriage is another strategy, get to college, marry an American citizen, three years later, I become a citizen?

I want to serve in the USAF, and I need to be a citizen. I want to pursue my college education in the process before I am too old for the service.

Thank you

[tiefighter88]

The 3 / 5 year period to become a citizen; When does this period start? When you get a green card? Work Visa? When you arrive in the USA on any Visa?

[topcatin]

The F1 visa depends on the course you want to take. Note that work visas vary with the type of profession. As far as working for USAF, I highly doubt..only citizens will be allowed. It is a normal thing in any country.
Please note that this is not a legal advice.

[poisontee]

The 3 / 5 year period to become a citizen; When does this period start? When you get a green card? Work Visa? When you arrive in the USA on any Visa?

The 3/5 yrs periods starts when you get your first Green card. For the work Visa, You get that after completing college and a company sponsors you to work for them.

Good luck!

[tiefighter88]

I know I need to be citizen to serve in the USAF, I also need a degree to be an officer. Hence, I am working on acieving both.

So do you think that my best option is to find a company to sponsor me first, work for a while (if so, how long?), then commence study? Can I go for a green card when I get a work visa? Bear in mind I want to move to Florida, I am not going on a holiday.

I am not interested in Australian university or defence forces, I am determined to become an American citizen and serve in the USAF.