G4 visa and full time PhD

[Tamika]

Here's hoping that someone out there can shed some light on a rather sticky situation. Here goes .... Currently, I am on a G4 visa in the US. This visa is essentially for employees of international organizations, NGOs etc. As luck would have it, I have been accepted into fully-funded PhD program. I now find myself in a difficult situation as I understand that in order to take up the offer, US authorities/universities require that all international students enroll full time in a program of study and switch to the F1 visa status. In an ideal world this makes some kinda sense, but in the real world things are a bit more complicated. As a mature student, financial commitmments (family etc) makes it increasingly difficult to consider leaving my job altogether in order to survive on a grad student stipend. So, I have approached my employer, who has suggested that I continue to work as a consultant (telecommute) 20hrs per week. But in order to take them up on this offer, I would have to REMAIN on my G4 visa. Long story short: Can I register at a US university and keep my G4 visa status? Has anyone out there done this? I read somewhere that the principal G4 holder (ME) may only study part time, but of course this doesn't help matters as most, if not all, PhD programs in the US require full time enrollment.

Any experience, advice, ways around this awful situation would be greatly appreciated. And thanks for taking time to read this rather complicated tale.

[jennifer_sita]

Here's hoping that someone out there can shed some light on a rather sticky situation. Here goes .... Currently, I am on a G4 visa in the US. This visa is essentially for employees of international organizations, NGOs etc. As luck would have it, I have been accepted into fully-funded PhD program. I now find myself in a difficult situation as I understand that in order to take up the offer, US authorities/universities require that all international students enroll full time in a program of study and switch to the F1 visa status. In an ideal world this makes some kinda sense, but in the real world things are a bit more complicated. As a mature student, financial commitmments (family etc) makes it increasingly difficult to consider leaving my job altogether in order to survive on a grad student stipend. So, I have approached my employer, who has suggested that I continue to work as a consultant (telecommute) 20hrs per week. But in order to take them up on this offer, I would have to REMAIN on my G4 visa. Long story short: Can I register at a US university and keep my G4 visa status? Has anyone out there done this? I read somewhere that the principal G4 holder (ME) may only study part time, but of course this doesn't help matters as most, if not all, PhD programs in the US require full time enrollment.

Any experience, advice, ways around this awful situation would be greatly appreciated. And thanks for taking time to read this rather complicated tale.

From the websites I've seen, you're correct that you (the principle visa holder) can study on a part-time basis only. You may be able to qualify for part-time PhD studies based on the number of credits for which you register. As far as I know, though, you aren't able to hold two visa statuses...you have to give up one. You should talk to the International Students' Graduate Department at the university as they are likely to have a better idea...

[moriero]

Call/Email the school and ask them. They'll tell you what they will do about it. Go to the real source of info and don't waste your time with people's opinions here. Even if there is a legal possibility, the school just might not choose to consider it.

[père_fume]

From the websites I've seen, you're correct that you (the principle visa holder) can study on a part-time basis only. You may be able to qualify for part-time PhD studies based on the number of credits for which you register. As far as I know, though, you aren't able to hold two visa statuses...you have to give up one. You should talk to the International Students' Graduate Department at the university as they are likely to have a better idea...

I got my undergraduate dergree in the united states; for this, i had to get an F1 visa. This did not require me to give up the tourist visa that I already held. During my time in college I held both visas, student and tourist, without problems. I do not know if the same holds for other types of visas, but i would not be surprised.

Edited March 23, 2010 by père_fume

[Salman]

Hello! I'm on the same boat now. Would you please let me know if you could get your answer from any reliable source. Appreciate sharing your findings.

Kind thanks

Salman

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Here's hoping that someone out there can shed some light on a rather sticky situation. Here goes .... Currently, I am on a G4 visa in the US. This visa is essentially for employees of international organizations, NGOs etc. As luck would have it, I have been accepted into fully-funded PhD program. I now find myself in a difficult situation as I understand that in order to take up the offer, US authorities/universities require that all international students enroll full time in a program of study and switch to the F1 visa status. In an ideal world this makes some kinda sense, but in the real world things are a bit more complicated. As a mature student, financial commitmments (family etc) makes it increasingly difficult to consider leaving my job altogether in order to survive on a grad student stipend. So, I have approached my employer, who has suggested that I continue to work as a consultant (telecommute) 20hrs per week. But in order to take them up on this offer, I would have to REMAIN on my G4 visa. Long story short: Can I register at a US university and keep my G4 visa status? Has anyone out there done this? I read somewhere that the principal G4 holder (ME) may only study part time, but of course this doesn't help matters as most, if not all, PhD programs in the US require full time enrollment.

Any experience, advice, ways around this awful situation would be greatly appreciated. And thanks for taking time to read this rather complicated tale.