Tourist Or Student Visa?
Understanding the difference between tourist and student visas is crucial for planning your study abroad trip, ensuring you choose the right visa based on your intentions and course duration.
The visa you will be traveling with is determined by the intensity of your English immersion. If your main intention is sightseeing, going shopping, or visiting family, then it is suggested to apply for a tourist visa (B1/B2) (or ESTA ifyou are from one of the countries which allows you to travel without visa). If you wish to pursue an academic route, a student visa (F1) is required. However, student visas are only granted to those who plan to study more than 18 hours per week. Courses and stays that are under 18 hours per week are considered by the US Government to be solely for leisure, therefore the only possible visa that is attainable is a tourist visa or ESTA.
All visas grant visa-holders extended periods of stays in the US. Tourist visa holders are allowed to remain in the US for up to 6 months (with ESTA only 90 days); whereas student visa periods vary depending on course length. Student visas last the length of their studies and in addition, include a 60-day-grace period to remain in the US and travel upon completion of your course.
Applying for a tourist visa is less complicated. Be advised that although tourist visas can be valid for up to 10 years. Tourists are only allowed to stay in the US for 6 continuous months visits and enroll in a course for a maximum of 18 hours per week before having to return home.
On the other hand, applying for a student visa requires more planning. After enrollment in your language school in the USA of choice, you will receive an I-20 document. This I-20 document will be required when scheduling your appointment with the US embassy in your home country. You will need to prove that you have sufficient funds to study abroad and you will also need to provide evidence that your entry to the US is solely for academic reasons and nothing more. Some of the documents that prove this are an employment agreement with an employer from your country, exchange agreement from your current non-US university, assets under your name such as local properties, etc.
Now that you know the difference between a tourist and student visa, you are able to start planning your study abroad trip. You are always welcome to contact us if you have any questions!
Frequently Asked Questions
Homestay or Shared Apartment? How Housing Shapes Your Language Progress
Our guide to choosing accommodation for language students, comparing homestay and shared apartments with real insights from San Diego and Vancouver.
How Long Does It Really Take to Improve Your English Abroad? A Reality Check
A realistic, experience-based guide to how long it takes to improve English abroad, using the CEL Progress Curve™ and real student patterns.
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
Soft Skills, die du in Kalifornien lernst – und warum sie im Job Gold wert sind
Soft Skills sind heute wichtiger denn je. Erfahre, wie ein Sprachaufenthalt in Kalifornien dir Kommunikationsstärke, Selbstbewusstsein und interkulturelle Kompetenz bringt – und warum das im Job Gold wert ist.
Three Ways To Build Confidence In Speaking English
Boost your English-speaking confidence with these tips: read aloud, learn in small groups, and practice with multiplayer games or conversation groups. Consider joining the College of English Language in San Diego for effective learning.
.avif)
21 Business-English-Ausdrücke, die deine Karriere weltweit voranbringen
Entdecke 21 praktische Business-English-Ausdrücke und erfahre, wie CELs Kurs English + Career Development Skills in San Diego und Vancouver dich optimal auf deine Karriere vorbereitet.
English Learning: The Ins And Outs Of Learning English
For efficient English learning, consider peak learning times, dedicate ample study time, and enroll in a top English school like the College of English Language in San Diego for rapid progress.
.jpg)
Die Kultur der USA erklärt: 7 Dinge, die dich während deines Sprachaufenthalts überraschen werden
Filme zeigen dir nur die halbe Wahrheit – ein Sprachaufenthalt USA enthüllt die echten kulturellen Überraschungen. Hier erfährst du 7 Dinge, die dich wirklich erwarten!
.jpg)
Où apprendre l'anglais aux États-Unis ? Découvrez CEL
Vous cherchez où apprendre l’anglais aux États-Unis ? CEL vous offre une immersion complète en Californie, entre cours personnalisés, vie étudiante dynamique et cadre de rêve à deux pas de la plage.
