Can I study in the U.S. on a B-1/B-2 visa?
FAQ
Written by Robin Catmur-Smith, Managing Director of the International Student Resource Center
Last updated: July, 2026
Can I study in the U.S. on a B-1/B-2 visa?
No. You cannot enroll in school on a B visitor visa. You may visit prospective schools, attend admission interviews, and take recreational/avocational (non-degree) classes, but to actually enroll, you must change status from B to F-1 and wait for USCIS approval first.
What's allowed vs. not
Allowed: visiting potential schools, admission interviews, and avocational/recreational classes not tied to a degree or career (e.g., an art-history class while sightseeing).
Not allowed: enrolling in a degree or academic program in B status.
