University tranfer before entering US

[sjayanty]

I am currently in India and have an F1 visa. I
originally planned to come to United States to do my
masters in a university in Pennsylvania. But now
circumstances have changed. I am getting married and
my would-be is on H1 visa. He stays in a California.
But I have applied for another school close to where
he lives and got an I-20 from that university. So I
have few questions regarding my change from F1 to H4

1. Is it a good idea to go to US consulate in India to
get H4. What are my chances of acceptance? Will they
reject my visa on the basis that I initially got F1
and now I am applying for H4

2. Or will it be a good idea to enter USA on F1 and
later apply for change of status to H4. If yes
a. Will I have to go to University of Pennsylvania
first, file the required documents for transfer and
then come to California?
b. If I decide to directly come to California and join
the university here. Should I go to the US Consulate
in India and get my Visa stamped again
c. Or can I just come to California and not go to
University of Pennsylvania and apply for change of
status from F1 to H4

Please advice. You help is very much appreciated.
Thanks

[topcatin]

The best thing to do is go to PA and then you can do a transfer from the university in Pensylvania to California while you are in the US. And the university in California will have to issue a new I-20. I have seen a case where my friend came to newyork and wasnt satisified with the university and shifted to Michgan. So yes this is possible, but this was done after 1 semester. You can transfer your courses, example you finish A,B,C courses in pensylvania, you can then apply in california and they will do the transfer of credits IF they are satisfied. They will see whether the courses you took are equivalent to what they have, and the can transfer you and you can get the new i-20 without going back to India. I dont know about the H4 thing, but wouldnt it be good for you to come on F1 and then move to california.Continue your studies on F1 and then you can go for H1 eventually when you find a employer. Why go through the hastle of H4?
Anyway this my opinion and please note that this is not a legal advice.

[sjayanty]

Thanks for your response.