Normally, individuals visiting the United States as a B1 business visitor or B2 tourist are prohibited from enrolling in a course of study in the United States. But there are a few limited cases in which taking a short-term educational or training program, provided it does not confer any academic credits or is connected to a degree-granting program, may be permitted in a B1 or B2 category.
Types of short-term programs allowed on B2 Tourist/Pleasure visitor category
Individuals traveling to the United States whose principal purpose of travel is tourism or pleasure (e.g., visiting friends or family) are allowed to engage in a “short course of study” while they are in the United States. 9 FAM 402.5-5(I)(3). However, the student must not be earning any academic credit for completion of this program.
Also, this category is meant for programs with a purpose of attendance as “recreational” or “avocational” – closer to the nature of a hobby, rather than tied to one’s career. For example, an individual spending a month visiting family and friends may choose to take a one-week program to learn horseback riding, for example, which would be permissible under this provision. Keep in mind, though, that attending such a program cannot be the principal purpose of travel under this category.
Types of short-term programs allowed on B1 business visitor category
Individuals can travel to attend short-term professional education programs, seminars, or conferences, that do not result in academic credit, under B-1 business visitor status. 9 FAM 402.2-5(B). Other permissible activities in B1 visitor status include consulting with business associates, negotiating contracts, and undertaking independent research.
One must keep in mind, though, that the specific educational or training program must not be one that confers any academic credit or degree. If it does, a different visa type will be required – such as an F-1, M-1, or J-1.
It is very important to know the boundaries of permitted activities on B1/B2 status and stay compliant with the immigration laws to avoid roadblocks in the future. Be sure to consult with an experienced immigration attorney if you are unsure if your situation qualifies under the regulations.
FREE Visa Resources
Click on the buttons below in order to claim your free Visa Guide (E-1, E-2, TN, EB-5, H-1B, L-1, PERM, NIW, EB-1, O-1, E-3), sign up for our free Webinar, join our Facebook Group, or watch our videos.
Set up a Visa or Green Card Consultation
For a dedicated one-on-one consultation with one of our lawyers, click on the button below to schedule your consultation.
This website and blog constitutes attorney advertising. Do not consider anything in this website or blog legal advice and nothing in this website constitutes an attorney-client relationship being formed. Set up a one-hour consultation with us before acting on anything you read here. Past results are no guarantee of future results and prior results do not imply or predict future results. Each case is different and must be judged on its own merits.
