Question guys.... I am on H1B but would like to continue my education. Is that possible? I am planning to be full-time in an accelerated program. The international advisor dosen't seem to have much idea about this case.

So can a FT H1B employee be a FT student at the same time? Any info would be appreciated.

Thank you guys.

Yes you can study. But you do not go through International Office. All you need to do is, directly apply to Office of Admissions, and start studying. You do not need an I-20 as well.

sure you can. you cannot apply for aid and work like GA etc... or on campus work

The university already knows that I am a non-resident and that they've got to enter me in the SEVIS system. I'm having a hard time finding any proof to convince them of what you all said. In one forum I read that you can only go PT, not FT.

Is there any place I could get this information or has anyone been through this? Thanks wind and thapap for your response.

Matribhumi,
I am currently going through this. You do not need to be in the SEVIS, because that would make you classified as student, and you do not want that. Yes, you can take only part time classes is correct. So, what you can do is, the first semester, take only PT classes telling your international office that you have no intention of changing your visa status. And, from second semester, (once you have no connection with international office, take a many classes you want), nobody cares, and it is perfectly legal.
Good Luck.

Wind,

The problem is that the program I've been accepted is a cohort based program, not term based. It is considered FT and I can't skip any classes as there is only one class at a time for 18 months.

So are you telling me that H1B workers cannot attend Full-Time?

Thank you.

Look for another school ..problem resolved...

Matribhumi,
Can and cannot. Full time student means, you are here in US only to study, so you are not allowed to work full time. In this scenario, if you are full time worker, it works just the opposite way. You are here only to work, not to study. So, you will need to register in the school as a part time student, but as a part time student, you can take as many hours as you can, or to the limit of your school's regulation. I hope it makes sense. I am in the same situation as well.

Hey Guys I just have one quick question about H1B.
I'm technically graduating on June '07. But I have only 2 class left for the next semester. I have already received a job offer and the company is willing to do my H1-B. I can apply for OPT now and start working from January'07, one semester before I graduate. But is it worth/beneficial from a H1-B filling point of view cauz' of that "H1-B CAP" and all those stuffs. If not then I'm willing to enjoy one more college semester.Appreciate your commment/postings on this one.

From H1-B standpoint, its better to graduate in December. The H1-B filing starts in April, and ends really quickly.

anthony15, you should use up your opt first and then apply for H1-B when the next quota opens.

Wind,

What you said make sense but still not sure what the legal procedure is? If I apply for a GC later on, I do not want to be in trouble for any reasons. I've seen people who have made mistakes in the past unknowingly and had problems throughout. My objective is to go to school IF I can, I do not want to risk anything.

I think an Intl Advisor from BU is coming to our Univ next week so will try to get the info from her.

Anthony, if the company is willing to file your H1B papers, it is worth it. The cap opens in April 07 so you'll be able to apply for next years Quota. On the other hand, if it dosen't work out you'll only have your OPT until January 07.


Anyone else with H1B and school experience? Please share.
Thanks.

Thnx. Guys, I will start working from January '07 and apply for H1-B on April.

Matribhumi,
Please let me know if you find something new as well.

Wind,

Since I do not have a lawyer and couldn't find any reference on the internet I e-mailed a University who has almost a 50% intl students. Many of the students are on H1B and taking classes FT. The admission counselor told me that it is legal as long as you are on H1B and maintain the status. My University hasnt' given me a hard time and I am already through one class.

That's all the info I could get.

Thanks

Thanks Matribhumi. I think I will take full time class next semester then.
I am going back to Nepal as well. Do you think it is helpful to take my school documents when I apply for the visa?

Thanks.

If I were you I wouldn't mention that I am taking classes unless they ask me. You do need your transcripts/diploma, old passport/I-20's etc etc however. The most important documents are I797, letter from your employer with dates of hire, hours, salary, benefits (your offer letter), your tax documents, pay stubs.

You'll also need a clearance from Ministry of Labor to board the plane back to the U.S. I am actually doing some research on all these stuff.

Here is a link on the appx wait time for the KTM consulate, not sure how often it gets updated:
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/tempvisitors_wait.php

And here is the link to the DS-156 form

https://evisaforms.state.gov/ds156.asp

When do you plan on going? Did you already get the tickets?

Thanks.

Matribhumi,
I am leaving on January for two weeks. The tickets are really expensive and I am in the process of buying tickets. I already talked to KTM Embassy, and they said, I could get one of my family members to apply for me, and I can go for the visa interview right after I get to KTM. As far as signing the application, I could sign it during the time of interview given the special circumstance.

Who did you talk to in the embassy? Do you have their #? I am afraid that they will be booked with all the people going to Nepal at the same time and I would imagine that the some consulates will be on "vacation" during Christmas.
Thanks