Studying while the AOS is in process

[ash10 0]

Dear Group,

Can someone on a pending AOS study in the US? I know that you can work after receiving the EAD but can you also study at any stage of the AOS?

Thank you.

[Bobby+Umit 161]

Depends on the rules of the school you are looking at.

I haven't seen any rules that forbid it when you are adjusting status. (USCIS)

[saj102965 1]

My husband is studying for his GED right now and we are in the process of adjusting status. He didn't even have to pay for the class and he is enjoying it.

[edp333 9]

Studying is not a problem. Getting financial assistance can be more difficult until you have been a LPR for a few months.The requirements vary per institution of higher learning and states.

[anne2010 0]

Hi Group,

So, if I study while my AOS is pending, and I go back to school, will I pay the fees as an international, or what status will I be put in?

[Mavisgrind 1]

While your AOS is pending, there should be no problem with attending school. The fees required depend on the school in question. Most will require foreign resident tuition. After you receive your Conditional or Permanent Residency, most states will still consider you as a non-resident for school or university tuition for one year. Some will consider your residency before obtaining your green card, but most will not. But that is up to the state and particular school at which you are studying.

Cheers.

[kewane 0]

If you have enough money to be in school, do it. I heard about a student who relinquished himself form f1 during the AOS. It went bad for him and couldn't go back to school as well. I don't know what he did after.

[USUY2010 4]

You have to call the institution. Rules vary from institution and state. Some states let you study without a Greencard. Here in VA you need GC if you want to attend university. So make sure you make that call and ask whether you can enroll while you're adjusting status. Good luck!

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Dear Group,

Can someone on a pending AOS study in the US? I know that you can work after receiving the EAD but can you also study at any stage of the AOS?

Thank you.

There is no federal law against it. I have not heard of any state laws against it, but you could check. There MAY be restrictions by schools and there MAY be restrictions on financing and/or loans and grants and on tuition residency requirements.

In our case, Alla started her masters degree program 5 DAYS after arriving, even before we got married. She had a 50% private grant we had applied for and recieved before she arrived. She had her previous education evaluated before she arrived. Priavtae universities can give grants to whomever they want.

Vermont requires you reside in the state for 1 year to qualify for "in state" tuition and state student grants.

Student granst and loans are NOT welfare and are not forbidden by the I-864 conditions.

The short answer is YES, they can study and the more preparation you do now, the faster they can get invloved. Alla was disappointed to wiat for 5 days! (two of the days were a weekend!)

[Maxximus1074 14]

While your AOS is pending, there should be no problem with attending school. The fees required depend on the school in question. Most will require foreign resident tuition. After you receive your Conditional or Permanent Residency, most states will still consider you as a non-resident for school or university tuition for one year. Some will consider your residency before obtaining your green card, but most will not. But that is up to the state and particular school at which you are studying.

Cheers.

I'm in California and tried to continue my education with AOS pending from F-1. The community college district I signed up classes for was going to charge me out-of state tuition fees after I explained that I am in proceedings of AOS and have no more F-1 status. They replied that I cannot apply for California resident tuition at this time due to state laws - as long as I would not have a greencard I am considered out of state, no matter if I have lived and been married in California for 1 month or 20 years > no AOS finalized, no cheap resident fee to study.

Edited October 5, 2010 by Maxximus1074