School is starting soon. Can I come on a B-1 / B-2 / B-2 “Prospective Student” visa and start studying?
Effective April 12, 2002 new immigration regulations explicitly prohibit individuals in the U.S. as B-1 visitors for business, B-2 visitors for pleasure, or B-2 “prospective students” from engaging in study of any kind, except very short-term, casual study such as a single English class or a crafts class. Full-time study, or study that is focused toward a degree or vocational objective, is not permitted. Individuals who enter on a “visa-waiver” are prohibited from study of any kind. If you are in the United States as a tourist, you should return to your home country and apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. Consulate abroad.
