I am 18 years old originally from Bangladesh. Recently my parents got Turkish citizenship. My mom also applied to USA F4 category. My question is will i be treated as local student in usa? Should i travel in usa first and then get into a university? Or should i apply for F1 visa?

Thanks for your detailed question — this is a complex situation with a few paths depending on your status and goals. Here’s a breakdown based on your scenario:
1. F4 Visa and Your Eligibility
F4 Category is for siblings of U.S. citizens, and includes their spouse and children under 21 and unmarried.

If your mom is the principal applicant (sibling of a U.S. citizen), you may be included as a derivative applicant only if:

You were under 21 and unmarried at the time the petition was filed (and still are).

The visa bulletin is current for your priority date.

Important: If you turn 21 before the visa becomes available, you might “age out.” In that case, the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) may help preserve your eligibility depending on processing delays.

2. Can You Be Treated as a Local Student in the U.S.?
To be treated as a local (in-state) student for tuition purposes:

You need to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (green card holder).

If you’re in the U.S. on a student visa (F1), you are considered an international student.

So:

Unless you already have a green card (through the F4 process), you will be treated as an international student, even if your parents have Turkish citizenship or applied under F4.

3. Should You Travel First and Then Enroll, or Apply on F1?
Here are two possibilities:

A. If You’re Eligible to Immigrate Soon (Under F4)
If your F4 case is almost current and you’re about to get your green card:

Wait and enter the U.S. as a permanent resident, then enroll as a local student (much cheaper tuition, easier access to aid).

Do not apply for F1, as it shows non-immigrant intent and may cause visa issues.

B. If F4 Will Take Years (Very Likely)
F4 petitions take many years (often 10–15+ years depending on the country).

In that case, you should apply for an F1 student visa and study in the U.S. as an international student.

You can’t enter the U.S. first on a tourist or any other visa and then enroll — that’s not permitted.

Sayed Nadimul Ahasan
Immigration Consultant & Founder of PROSPECTIVE BANGLADESHI STUDENTS PLANNING TO STUDY ABROAD (PBSPTSA)