Studying in the United States is a dream for students in many countries, but not all want to enroll in a full-time study program. Sometimes you would prefer studying short, casual, or recreational courses. If you cannot use a regular student visa. You might be able to get a B-2 tourist visa for such purposes. In this article, we will discuss the details of applying for one
When to Choose a B-2 Visa for Short Study
The major differentiating factor is to consider how long and rigorous your intended study will be. If your study requires more than 18 hours of time commitment per week, then you’ll probably need to apply for a visa for students (Form F-1 or Form M-1). As long as your planned study is less rigorous – say less than 18 hours per week – then you can probably get by with a tourist visa.
Simple Application Process
The advantage of getting a B-2 tourist visa would be convenient – there are many courses one can take that are short-term and not academic. The tourist visa is likely to be processed faster and easier.
Flexible Study Options
If you get a B-2 visa, you can do pretty much anything that isn’t academic – you might play golf, or take a cooking, yoga or spin class, or join an art or pottery class – or, at the very least, you could mix a short academic course with tourism in the US.
Eligibility Criteria
If you decide that your short study trip calls for a tourist visa, you’ll need to demonstrate that you meet the basic qualifications for a B-2 visa. Below you’ll find the main points:
You need to prove the purpose of your proposed trip to the US is for pleasure, leisure, and recreation, not to live there.
On a B-2 visa, you’re generally permitted to stay for a maximum period of six months. If your course lasts longer, however, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to stay up to one year. Once your course commences, you can request this extension when you arrive in the US at the port of entry (which is the official office at an airport or border facility).
Receiving and Using Your B-2 Visa
After you get your B-2 visitor visa, check to see if there are any special notes on your I-94 card about your study plans. This is to allow you to engage in short-term study, even though it is secondary to tourism.
But if your intent note is missing from your US visa when it arrives at the consulate, it shouldn’t prohibit you from entering the US. Emphasize your tourist purpose at the airport or US border and then say that you would like to attend classes at a later date
In conclusion, if you want to pursue short, non-academic study opportunities in the United States, consider a B-2 tourist visa. It offers flexibility and simplifies the application process for courses with fewer than 18 hours of study per week.
