posted 16 years ago
Well, there are certain things you might need to consider.
1. With F1, students have to pay out-state tuition fee (which is usually higher than in-state fee). With H4, when you choose to study after some time, there are chances that you will get to pay in-state tuition fee (if you could establish residency in a state. You have to refer to rules specific to your state and the university. I know about California, your wife has to be in California -(driving license, bank account etc) one year prior to admission )
2. With F1, your wife can work 20 hr in campus. With H4, unless she get a work permit (i.e. H1B etc), she cannot work. If she finally get an employer/job offer, then changing from H4 to H1 will involve filling Change of status application with USCIS.
3. With F1 she gets one year OPT after completing her Masters and also she qualifies for Master quota in H1B Application process ( there are 20K additional H1B specifically allocated to US Masters, in addition to normal 65K)
4. As said earlier in the post, with F1, you have a coursework requirement. H4 can take just one course.
Needless to say, these are my thoughts based on my limited knowledge, also seek legal advice from Attorney for Immigration related issues.
Sanchit<br />---------<br />SCEA