Can I Study in the USA with a B1/B2 Visa?

No, foreign nationals cannot study with a B1/B2 visa. The B1/B2 visa, which is usually called the visitor visa, allows applicants to visit the United States for various purposes, such as tourism, business meetings, and medical treatment.

 

This visa doesn’t allow foreign nationals to study in the country. A B1 visa is for short-term business, whereas a B2 visa is for tourism/medical purposes and is valid for up to 10 years with multiple entries.

 

To study in the USA, applicants must change their status from a B1/B2 Visa to another visa granting permission to study there.

 

*Want to apply for B1/B2 visa? Talk to Y-Axis for complete guidance.

 

Situation on which U.S grants to study in B1/B2 visa

There are three situations based on which the US grants B1/B2 visa holders to study in the country:

 

• Recreational study: If an applicant takes a short, non-credit course related to the visit
• Change of status: If visa status changes from B1/B2 to F-1 student visa.
• Visa waiver program: Some countries' citizens can enter the United States without a visa for short visits.

 

Change of status from B1/B2 visa to F1 Visa

An F1 visa is necessary to study in the US, as it allows international students to study and live in the country temporarily.

 

If applicants arrive with a B1/B2 visa, they must change their visa status to an F1 student visa. This is considered the standard way to study in the US if they arrive with a visit visa.

 

There are specific ways to change the visa status to an F1 visa, such as:

 

Step 1: Acceptance to a US School

The first step in changing your status to an F1 student visa is to be accepted by a U.S. educational institution authorized to issue the Form I-20, the Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status. The Form I-20 is an important document for your change of status application.

 

Step 2: Form I-539 Application

Once a US school accepts the application, they must file Form I-539, an application to Extend/Change Non-immigrant Status, with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form is your formal request to change your status from B1/B2 to F1 student visa.

 

Step 3: Change of Status Approval

If the US government approves the change of status application, the applicant will be granted F1 student status. This status allows an applicant to study full-time in the US, pursue a degree or certificate program, and potentially work on campus.

 

Step 4: Preconceived Intent to Study

US visa regulations require applicants to clearly envision only visiting the country, not studying or extending their stay, when applying for a B1/B2 visa.

 

Eligibility criteria to avail an F1 visa

Below is the eligibility for an F1 Student visa:

 

• Acceptance by a U.S. school
• Sufficient funds to support yourself
• Maintain student status

 

Studying in the USA with a B1/B2 visa is possible only through the change of status process, but it is necessary to plan accordingly and adhere to immigration policies. Applicants must follow the correct procedures and fulfill all requirements to successfully transition to an F1 student visa.

 

*Want assistance for U.S Immigration? Talk to Y-Axis, the world’s No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy for end-to-end support.