Going to community college with K1 visa

[mkr1990 12]

I am wondering if I can start right away with college once I arrive on my K1 visa. If so, I could start in september, but if we have to marry first and apply for the green card I won't make it for this semester. I guess it depends on the school since this is a community college but in general would they accept me with my K1 status? 

[Ben&Zian 4,398]

Some will say no, some will say yes, some will say 'maybe'......

 

heres a few old threads about this.

 

 

 

[Becci391 339]

They would consider you as an international student.

I am 100% sure that they want to see a proof that you are a legal resident but I don't know if your NOA1 or NOA2 is enough or if they want to see a copy if your actual Green Card.

The best suggestion is to call the community college and ask. Explain them your situation and ask what you have to send them.

Edited April 18, 2017 by Becci391

[Dutchster 1,107]

I'd say wait until permanent residency is granted so it'll be less of a hassle to get in because they need to know your current status. K-1 status doesn't mean much, it's likely that colleges will not understand how it goes.
 

[mkr1990 12]

15 minutes ago, Becci391 said:

They would consider you as an international student.

I am 100% sure that they want to see a proof that you are a legal resident but I don't know if your NOA1 or NOA2 is enough or if they want to see a copy if your actual Green Card.

The best suggestion is to call the community college and ask. Explain them your situation and ask what you have to send them.

S

 

16 minutes ago, Ben&Zian said:

Some will say no, some will say yes, some will say 'maybe'......

 

 

 

Some say no because the K1 visa is a non-immigration visa, but some say yes, this is an example: 

'Alla entered the US and started her masters degree five days later. There is no restriction about going to school on a federal level for the K-1. They are legally present in the US and have no restrictions regarding education. Any restrictions would be for state schools (residency requirements) or for federal student loans. 

 

Is that statement true? I don't care if I would be considered an international student the first year, it's about if I can take classes.

 

I will ask for sure if it's possible  

[Ben&Zian 4,398]

Definately go ask. Doesn't hurt to go talk to them and see if they would allow it or not.

[gregcrs2 1,778]

5 minutes ago, mkr1990 said:

S

 

Some say no because the K1 visa is a non-immigration visa, but some say yes, this is an example: 

'Alla entered the US and started her masters degree five days later. There is no restriction about going to school on a federal level for the K-1. They are legally present in the US and have no restrictions regarding education. Any restrictions would be for state schools (residency requirements) or for federal student loans. 

 

Is that statement true? I don't care if I would be considered an international student the first year, it's about if I can take classes.

 

I will ask for sure if it's possible  

There will be a difference in tuition cost, sometimes a very big difference. 

[JSWH 262]

15 minutes ago, mkr1990 said:

S

 

Some say no because the K1 visa is a non-immigration visa, but some say yes, this is an example: 

'Alla entered the US and started her masters degree five days later. There is no restriction about going to school on a federal level for the K-1. They are legally present in the US and have no restrictions regarding education. Any restrictions would be for state schools (residency requirements) or for federal student loans. 

 

Is that statement true? I don't care if I would be considered an international student the first year, it's about if I can take classes.

 

I will ask for sure if it's possible  

 

 

I and my daughter will be entering the USA shortly on K1/K2 respectively. My daughter has been a student in the US university for the last 3 years, on F1 visa. She contacted her University Visa Services and informed them about change in her visa  status. They said it wouldn't be an issue, she is eligible to attend classes as long as she is legally presented in the country. She attends a privat university.

While waiting for K1, I applied and was accepted into Masters program in another university, which is public. I informed them about my status. They would consider me a LPR, but tuition wise I am still do not meet residency requirements, hence out-of-state tuition must be paid for the first year. 

 

To make my message clear: we will start to attend classes before our AOS will be completed (God knows how long it will take...).

Edited April 18, 2017 by JSWH

[TBoneTX 45,284]

*** Thread is moved from the K-1 Process forum to the "Moving to the US" forum -- topic involves "after arrival" queries. ***

[RWD 2]

I don't know how it is in your state, but here in California community colleges, you must be living in the state for 1 year and 1 day before you get local resident tuition. Otherwise, you end up paying the international student rate which costs much much more. I have a friend that immigrated on a K1 visa and had to pay the international student rate for her first year because she enrolled shortly after she arrived.