Hi all,

I'm sure this has been answered dozens of times already, but I just would like to have some guidance on whether or not it would be possible for my wife, who is waiting for AOS, AP, and EAD approvals, would be eligible to attend courses at a local community college so she can pursue working in a field of work that she has expressed an interest in. To give some background, my wife came here on a K1 visa, and has a bachelor's degree in biology, which she obtained in her home country. She has expressed an interest in medical transcription and/or pursuing nursing, and I would really like to be able to know if she can legally attend school before EAD or other approvals. I honestly don't want her to have to settle for something she isn't interested in; after all, she does have a bachelor's degree, and flipping burgers at McDonalds isn't exactly a prime job opportunity. I want something that will challenge her and make her be proud of what she is doing. Any advice on the schooling thing would be greatly appreciated. Does she have to apply for any type of student visa?
Thx.

D

What we did was to check with the local colleges and/or universities in the area to find out what their requirements are for students. From our experience here in Georgia, my husband found out that he *could* go to school, no problem. Only thing was he would be considered an international student and subject to the fees of international students. He would not be eligible for aid or grants at that time. However, once he was a resident of the state for one year then he could be eligible for in-state fees. Also, for some of the financial aid programs they require you to have been a Green Card Holder for one full year. We haven't pursued this yet since he found a job he seems to like and for now he's happy just working.

Please keep in mind, for anyone else reading this, that THIS was OUR experience and what WE found out. It may or may not be the same for you in your area.

To the OP, I would suggest calling around where she might be interested in attending to find out what will apply to your wife. Best wishes!

yes, kerencee is correct. You can enroll to any school but you will pay non-residence tuition fee which is five times higher with residence tuition fee coz Im supposed to enroll here
in Colorado to take RN but it's really very high so Im going to wait for a year to avail the residence tuition fee. The only requirements are your I-94 , passport and if you want to
credit all your previous units, you will submit all the original transcript of records.

Yes she will be paying tuition as an international student, which is ridiculously high. She does not need a student visa. You might wanna visit and apply at the college/university now to let them know that your wife lives within their district so after a year, she will be considered a resident of that same district. Well that's if she wants to start school now; she can always wait for her green card. I was an international student 3 years ago. Right now, I am holding a K3 visa, where it shows my husband's name and city and state of residence. BUT that does not prove anything. They even asked me if I applied for any library card in the city. I already finished my spring semester, looking forward to the fall semester. NOT!! I might register for a class or two. Can't do full-time since I pay a lot more.

Good luck with your wife's schooling.