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Hello Members,
It seems that F-1 visa is granted for academic degree courses and not for pursuing certificate programs. However, after reading USCIS guidelines , I understand that F-1 visa should be granted to students willing to pursue a full-time course that has 24 credits or more and this course could be a degree or a certificate.
I am currently on H4 visa and have visited colleges to enroll in a certificate program. Some college advisors are of the view that F-1 is only granted for degree programs and not otherwise and others think that F-1 is also granted for certificate programs with 24 credits (full time).
I would like to start my certificate program ( 2 semester course) on H4 and would endeavour to maintain full time status for the 1st semester, paying in-state tuition rates and later after completion/ or mid-way of 1st semester, apply for change of status to F-1 in order to obtain the benefits of OPT, as COS usually takes 3-4 months.
My main concern is whether maintenance of full time status for the 1st semester on H4 would be considered (9 months) for F-1?
While applying for F-1 visa, I need to apply for OPT simultaneously or I can only do so after receipt of F-1 status. As my certificate course would be getting over by end of the 2nd semester, if permissible, when should I apply for F-1 and OPT to get an EAD after my graduation?
I would be glad if members could guide me, as I am receiving different answers from academic advisors and I am unable to take a concrete decision. If nothing works out, I would consider COS to F-1 visa directly before beginning of my course. Which option would be beneficial in terms of fees and future employment?
Please help. Thanks.
Isha
It seems that F-1 visa is granted for academic degree courses and not for pursuing certificate programs. However, after reading USCIS guidelines , I understand that F-1 visa should be granted to students willing to pursue a full-time course that has 24 credits or more and this course could be a degree or a certificate.
I am currently on H4 visa and have visited colleges to enroll in a certificate program. Some college advisors are of the view that F-1 is only granted for degree programs and not otherwise and others think that F-1 is also granted for certificate programs with 24 credits (full time).
I would like to start my certificate program ( 2 semester course) on H4 and would endeavour to maintain full time status for the 1st semester, paying in-state tuition rates and later after completion/ or mid-way of 1st semester, apply for change of status to F-1 in order to obtain the benefits of OPT, as COS usually takes 3-4 months.
My main concern is whether maintenance of full time status for the 1st semester on H4 would be considered (9 months) for F-1?
While applying for F-1 visa, I need to apply for OPT simultaneously or I can only do so after receipt of F-1 status. As my certificate course would be getting over by end of the 2nd semester, if permissible, when should I apply for F-1 and OPT to get an EAD after my graduation?
I would be glad if members could guide me, as I am receiving different answers from academic advisors and I am unable to take a concrete decision. If nothing works out, I would consider COS to F-1 visa directly before beginning of my course. Which option would be beneficial in terms of fees and future employment?
Please help. Thanks.
Isha
