Studying Part-time in the US / Taking a Short Course?

UltraSuperMegaMo
New Member



Joined: 05 Aug 2008
Posts: 2
Location: Toronto

Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 12:37 pm

 

---

Long time lurker, first time poster.

I’m interested in a taking a few short courses in the US (3 months long or so) over the winter. I’ve read that a Canadian may visit the US for up to 6 months without a visa. Would I be able to enroll in a continuing education course without applying for a special visa while on an extended holiday? Any input would be most appreciated.

Regards,
Michael

---

Steven
CanuckAbroad VIP



Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 1676
Location: Calgary

Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 8:28 pm

 

---

No, B-2 is visitor only, you specifically cannot study under B-2 under regulation changes introduced in 2003 under any circumstances. You can certainly go and scout out colleges but you can't actually enroll and undertake studies.

There are various student entry categories, F-1 is the most common and the simplest to get, also M-1 and J-1.
_________________
Steve.

---

Reba
Moderator


Canuck in NC

Joined: 16 Jul 2004
Posts: 1509
Location: North Carolina

Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 2:56 am

 

---

Not to mention that quite a lot of states are now passing laws that "undocumented" immigrants will no longer be allowed to register for post-secondary schools, and that non-resident tuitions are crazy expensive.
_________________
READ ME FIRST!! Immigration Information for Canadians who want to move to the US for any reason.

---

UltraSuperMegaMo
New Member



Joined: 05 Aug 2008
Posts: 2
Location: Toronto

Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 6:31 pm

 

---

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

I emailed the UCLA Extension International Students office about this. They seem to think it would be okay. I forgot to mention I was looking to take continuing education course - perhaps that’s relevant? Here’s what they wrote me:

If you enter the U.S. as a tourist, you can enroll in one or two courses at UCLA Extension for your own interest. If you want to study full-time and earn a certificate, you would have to apply for an F1 student visa. If you will just enroll in one or two courses, you don't have to go through our office. You just select the courses you want to take and enroll at the registration office.

---

Steven
CanuckAbroad VIP



Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 1676
Location: Calgary

Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 11:22 am

 

---

I suppose it depends on the breakpoint between "study" and "visiting" which is a fairly fine line, but they stopped B-2 for students a few years ago as a lot of Mexicans for example cross the border every day to go to school and now there is a new category called F-3 for them. The crackdown was pretty major because the 9/11 terrorists entered as students.

"Study" implies you get some sort of qualification out of it.

There is actually no visa for F-1 for Canadians. You get the I-20 from them, pay the application fee and apply at the POE with the receipt.
_________________
Steve.

---

voyager6868
CanuckAbroad Regular



Joined: 13 Apr 2008
Posts: 57
Location: Waterloo

Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 2:03 pm

 

---

B-2 allows you to take a "short course of study". I believe up to 18 hours a week. The implication, though is that the courses only last a month or two.

---

Steven
CanuckAbroad VIP



Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 1676
Location: Calgary

Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 9:34 pm

 

---

I'd be very careful about what you read on the web about studying on B-2 or prior personal experience because the CFR has changed substantially in the last few years in regards to it and a lot has changed. Even USCIS are confused about it. They're still trying to sort out how to do F-3 student entries.

Just banging it into Google I get universities that say you can study on B-2 and others that say you can't, so they're confused about it too.

Anyone thinking of going in on B-2 to study I would strongly advise to get hold of USCIS directly and look up the regs on www.uscis.gov because I'm sure some universities are giving out out-of-date information, and USCIS has been criticised for allowing Mexicans in under B-2 when they should have been in F-3, so even they're confused.

I have to say at the end of the day getting F-1 status as a Canadian citizen is a pretty trivial process anyway.
_________________
Steve.

---