Studying on a K1 Visa whilst awaiting the AOS process

[SydneytoWaco 0]

I have been approved for the K1 visa! Once I get into the U.S., get married and put in the AOS paperwork... can I study at a tertiary institution? I already have a bachelor of science and I was looking at studying a masters or possibly even eventually a doctoral degree. Am I allowed to do this? do I need a student visa? special permission?

I emailed the consulate here and they replied with this 10 days ago...

"Thank you for your inquiry.

As your inquiry is more detailed than the bulk of inquiries we receive, further research is required to give you the most accurate response possible. As a result, it may take us additional time to reply. We thank you for your patience and assure you we will do our best to give you a full response as soon as possible. Please do not re-send your inquiry."

Anybody?

[YuAndDan 153]

Yes, however you will be treated as a NON-Resident and will pay NON-Resident rates, and also will not qualify for financial aid. Green-card holders are treated as resident, and qualify for financial aid.

Check with the college you wish to study at.

[SydneytoWaco 0]

Yes, however you will be treated as a NON-Resident and will pay NON-Resident rates, and also will not qualify for financial aid. Green-card holders are treated as resident, and qualify for financial aid.

Check with the college you wish to study at.

Thanks, I checked the FAQ and didn't find anything so I posted before searching. As a graduate student being a non-resident shouldn't be an issue as long as I can get a graduate assistant role, fingers crossed! Thanks again.

[SydneytoWaco 0]

I just received this from the consulate:

"Thank you for your patience in awaiting a response to your inquiry.

According to the USCIS office in Bangkok, Thailand, you would be in violation of your K-1 status if you entered a study program prior to having your K1 status adjusted to lawful permanent residency.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Visa Assistant

U.S. Consulate General

Immigrant Visa Unit

Level 59 MLC Centre

19-29 Martin Place

Sydney NSW 2000"

Is there an intermediate study visa I can apply for? I am now very worried

[Otto 83]

Is there an intermediate study visa I can apply for? I am now very worried

Worst case, you adjust your study-timing a bit - there's no crime in taking a break in the mean time. Plenty of other things to do along the way.

[Kamaboko 0]

Hello,

I think you should wait until you get the greencard. However, the wait will not be as bad. With my case, I arrived here under K-2 on June this year, mailed the AOS application June 18th, had the interview today, Dec 8th 2008. We were approved and I will send out my grad school application school before the deadline of April 1st 2009. During the wait time, I was able to do GRE and TOEFL (while my GMAT is coming up on January 30th).

Plus, it's important to check with the uni you're interested in attending so that you can arrange everything in the sound order of time; for ex. if you need to do some prerequisite courses and take GRE.

I hv my finger crossed, good luck!

I just received this from the consulate:

"Thank you for your patience in awaiting a response to your inquiry.

According to the USCIS office in Bangkok, Thailand, you would be in violation of your K-1 status if you entered a study program prior to having your K1 status adjusted to lawful permanent residency.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Visa Assistant

U.S. Consulate General

Immigrant Visa Unit

Level 59 MLC Centre

19-29 Martin Place

Sydney NSW 2000"

Is there an intermediate study visa I can apply for? I am now very worried

[SydneytoWaco 0]

Hello,

I think you should wait until you get the greencard. However, the wait will not be as bad. With my case, I arrived here under K-2 on June this year, mailed the AOS application June 18th, had the interview today, Dec 8th 2008. We were approved and I will send out my grad school application school before the deadline of April 1st 2009. During the wait time, I was able to do GRE and TOEFL (while my GMAT is coming up on January 30th).

Plus, it's important to check with the uni you're interested in attending so that you can arrange everything in the sound order of time; for ex. if you need to do some prerequisite courses and take GRE.

I hv my finger crossed, good luck!

I think you're both right. Less worrying and more enjoying! It's just that I am looking at a lot of study if I proceed to a PhD (which I am considering) but chances are I would need to take some courses as prerequisites anyway. I have already sat the GRE and the TOEFL isn't an issue for me thankfully. Congratulations on your AOS success!! I am just looking forward to my fiance visiting me here over Christmas before I fly over in January!

Thanks again.

[mimimimimi 0]

wow, that's new to me... where did you see this and where can I get more info?

Green-card holders are treated as resident, and qualify for financial aid.

Edited December 9, 2008 by mimigrant

[mimimimimi 0]

oh, you're right. I checked the FASFA (Federal Student Aid) website. That's awesome.

http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/fotw0809/help/sahelp03a1.htm

"Eligible Noncitizen means you are not a U.S. Citizen (or U.S. National) but are one of the following:

- U.S. permanent resident, with a Permanent Resident Card (formerly known as an Alien Registration Receipt Card or "Green Card")

- Conditional permanent resident (I-551C)"

wow, that's new to me... where did you see this and where can I get more info?

Green-card holders are treated as resident, and qualify for financial aid.

[Anh map 2,098]

You would only be in K1 status for a short time (90 days max) so that should not be a big hurdle.

[citlembik 0]

You would only be in K1 status for a short time (90 days max) so that should not be a big hurdle.

wait ,wait wait..

you're telling me that...I cannot apply for master.

I got married and applied for AOS.After that I apllied for a master and I was admitted.They also considered me a resident to fees-purposes.I am starting in Fall and I do not ahve green card yet,I applied on Jan 20.

that means I broke the law???

You scare me guys!

Thanks