Spouse wishes to complete 2 years of college in home country

[Tcarrol 54]

My spouse received his Green Card in September after going through the K1 fiancee process and then marrying here in the states. He had already completed about 2 1/2 years in college in his home country. Although we have checked into him finishing college here in the states, it appears it will take much longer. He plans to attend school for three months, then return back to our home for one month term break; and then return back for his next three-month term, continuing for four terms. Since he is returning every three months for a month, and our residence will remain the same, it seems like we really don't need to fill out any reentry forms. Has anyone gone through this? Any suggestions are appreciated.

[JE57 239]

From everything I've read and the research I've done I'd suggest that this plan could have problems. If he is outside the USA more than he is in the USA it could be considered that he has abandoned his green card and then you'd have to go thru the whole process again... I'm sure others can offer suggestions on this... It does seem like attending school would be a possible exception but you want to proceed with caution and with more advice from this community.

[Unidentified 2,930]

He should probably have finished school before coming here... Sounds like he's going to spend a lot of time outside the US which won't be good for his future here in the US. I'm not an expert but I believe he is at risk at abandoning his green card or it will take a longer time for him to gain citizenship.

[NikLR 13,232]

Will a foreign degree be worth as much in the USA as a domestic one? Likely not to US employers.

[Unidentified 2,930]

Will a foreign degree be worth as much in the USA as a domestic one? Likely not to US employers.

I agree. If it takes longer to do it here, that means they don't recognize the 2 years he has already done which makes his studies in his home countries useless.

I have studied both in Sweden and the US. When I've been to job interviews here in the US, they've asked me about my US education, not my Swedish one. I would recommend just dropping the idea of studying in the home country and focus on studying here in the US.

[Anh map 2,098]

If he can't get credit for the courses that he's already taken then how much will the degree help him in the US job market? Look at where he wants to be in the future and work toward that goal. If the diploma from home won't help, then make the change now.

[Unlockable 7,315]

All of the mentioned above is correct. Him going back is a BAD idea for your journey.

The risks outweigh the rewards:

Rewards

• He finishes college and gets his degree.

Risks

• The degree he is pursuing could be worthless in the US job market. (I have actually witnessed this in person in the pass in my career).
• Extended periods of time outside the US is a red flag for immigration.
• Extended periods of time outside the US could cause a strain on your marriage.
• Time and money could be wasted on something that will not benefit your family in the US.

If you write the risk and rewards down and share it with him he may have a better understanding how this is not the best option for your family.

Like someone already mentioned, if it takes more time for him to get a degree in the US then it will just have to take more time in the US. At least he will have you by his side to support him.

[Tcarrol 54]

Thank you everyone. I believe we are going to take your advice. We've already begun the application process here for US online colleges and it appears they are willing to consider his completed work. Again, thank you.

[Tcarrol 54]

Here's an update. We scheduled an infopass session to ask the question. The agent was very polite and left her booth to ask her boss the question about how long one could be out of the country for college. She came back and said that it was ok to attend college in a foreign country, but that upon entering back into the United States, a copy of a transcript confirming that as the reason should be shown to the border agent. Coincidentally, on the same day as the meeting, we visited a US college campus where my spouse applied, and received good news that acceptance was granted with a complete transfer of courses from Honduras. So, thank you all for your advice about finishing college here.

[clairegie 265]

That's great news!