F1 to H4 ead

[pa0977]

Could you anyone pls help me with my H4-EAD query. Details are -

1. I am currently pursuing PhD on F1 visa. (got an F1 in 2010 from H4 visa)
2. Receiving financial aid in the firm of graduate research assistantship (GRA). Wanting to change from F1 to H4 and apply for H4 EAD thereafter while pursuing PhD. But not sure how will it affect my Graduate Research assistantship ? Pls suggest what can i do to keep receiving GRA when my H4 is approved but H4 EAD is pending.

3. Or alternatively What is the best way out to get the H4-EAD in my situation.

Thanks very much !

[f22raptor]

Once you move to H4 , you might lose the GRA, because H4 are not eligible to work. Now, after the EAD approval, you may be able to work which is again very much dependent on the university to allow you to be unemployed and back to employment. One other suggestion I can give you is, look into the possibility of filing for H4 and EAD concurrently and what would be the processing time which may benefit you from having a "non-workable" period.