I'm curious if it's possible to attend short-term study programs or courses in the US on a tourist visa. If not, what kind of visa would be appropriate for that?
A tourist visa (B-2) to the United States does allow for incidental study or courses that are recreational or don't lead to a degree. This could be something casual, like a cooking class or painting workshop, or a brief recreational program.
However, if you'd like to attend any kind of academic program that leads to a certification or degree, or if it's a program that could potentially count as college credit, you'll need a different type of visa. This could be either an F-1 visa for academic studies or an M-1 visa for vocational and non-academic programs. The main difference between these visas is the type of study they cater to: F-1 is for academic education, and M-1 is for vocational or non-academic education.
Remember that visa processes can be complex and that you should verify all information directly with official sources or a legal expert. It's also important to note that attending a short-term study program should not be the main purpose of your visit if you're entering the U.S. on a tourist visa, as visa misuse can lead to serious consequences.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.