I'm planning a trip to the USA and would love to take some English courses while I'm there. Can I attend classes on a tourist visa, or do I need a different type of visa to enroll in courses?
In the United States, a tourist visa (B-2) is typically intended for recreational travel and doesn't permit individuals to engage in formal study. This means if your aim is to predominantly take classes and study, a B-2 visa would not be the appropriate choice.
In cases of more extensive or formal study, you should consider applying for a student visa, either an F-1 or M-1, depending on the type and duration of study.
F-1 visas are for academic studies, in programs at accredited U.S. colleges or universities or to study English at a language institute. On the other hand, M-1 visas are for vocational or nonacademic studies.
However, casual and intermittent study not intended to lead to a degree or certification may be permissible on a B-2 visa. An example could be a short-term workshop or seminar. It could also be possible to take incidental short-term study while primarily being in the U.S. for tourism. In such cases, the main purpose of your visit would be tourism, not education. You should consult with a U.S. embassy or consulate to get clarification and advice on your specific circumstances.
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