<p>Hey guys, I just got my H4. And I have about 2 years left in an American high school.</p>
<p>I was very excited that my visa changed and I thought i'd get much more rights and privileges. However after some research I found out H4 is pretty much like what I had before (F2)</p>
<p>So my dad landed a good position in a very nice company, and they will help him apply for green card soon. Maybe in about a year. And I know after that it will take a while (couple years?) to get approved. However I heard once some form is sent and completed you can actually apply in the States as a normal applicant (non-international). </p>
<p>What's "stage" do I need in order to do so? Your experience would be helpful</p>
<p>That is an issue that you should consult an immigration lawyer or the colleges of your interest about. I recently became a permanent resident after having been in the States on an F-1 visa, but I got my visa through the lottery and not through family/employment. </p>
<p>Most colleges don't care that much about your immigration status if you do not require financial aid because international students are not eligible for federal financial aid. The financial aid office at my college told me that I can apply for federal financial aid as soon as I know my alien registration number, but that the college is not allowed to actually "give" me federal funds until they have physically seen my permanent resident card.</p>