Can I study or take courses on J-1 scholar status?

FAQ.

Answered by Robin Catmur-Smith, Managing Director of the International Student Resource Center

Last updated: July, 2026

Can I study or take courses on J-1 scholar status?

Yes, on a limited basis. Research or teaching must remain your primary purpose, so you may do “incidental study”, meaning part-time, non-degree coursework consistent with your objectives. You cannot enroll in a degree-seeking program on scholar status. To pursue a degree, you would need to change to F-1 or leave the U.S. and apply for a student visa.

What’s generally allowed (incidental, secondary to your program)

• Occasional courses for credit, such as part-time, non-degree, aligned with your program, not interfering with or delaying your research/teaching.

• Auditing courses is fine, as long as you don’t enroll in a full course of study.

• English language classes are permitted if they stay incidental, not your primary activity.

What’s not allowed

• Enrolling in a degree-seeking program (full-time or otherwise). That suggests study has become your primary purpose. SEVP guidance says exchange visitors can’t extend to complete a degree.

Always check with your RO/ARO before enrolling in any course, even a single non-degree course, to confirm it’s truly incidental.

Reference: SEVP “Nonimmigrants: Who Can Study?”