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
The Moment Most Language Students Realize They’re Actually Improving
Many students learning English in Canada improve before they feel confident. This editorial insight explores the quiet moment when progress becomes undeniable — especially in Vancouver’s everyday learning environment.
When Is the Right Time to Study English Abroad? Timing, Seasons & Life Phases
A decision guide on when to learn English in the USA, exploring timing, life phases, language levels, and how real progress abroad actually happens—based on decades of student experience.
Pourquoi Vancouver attire les étudiants qui ne veulent pas d’un séjour linguistique « classique »
Analyse éditoriale expliquant pourquoi Vancouver est une destination idéale pour un séjour linguistique structuré et rassurant, particulièrement adaptée aux étudiants francophones souhaitant progresser en anglais à leur rythme, avec une vraie immersion au quotidien.
How To Express The Future In English
Learn about various future tenses in English and their uses, including the Future Simple, Continuous, Perfect, and Perfect Continuous, at our language school in California. Master English with experienced teachers in stunning locations!
국제적인 환경에서 영어로 일하기: 샌디에이고 CEL 인턴십 경험
샌디에이고 CEL 인턴십은 영어를 사용하는 100% 국제 환경 속에서 실무 경험과 언어 역량을 동시에 성장시킬 수 있는 특별한 기회입니다. 영어와 스페인어가 공존하는 도시 샌디에이고에서의 인턴십은 전공 지식을 실제 업무에 적용하며 문화적 이해와 전문성을 함께 확장하게 합니다. CEL에서의 경험은 단순한 인턴십을 넘어, 글로벌 커리어로 나아가기 위한 실질적인 발판이 됩니다.
%20(1)%20(Blog).avif)
Pourquoi votre logement influence votre anglais plus que vous ne le pensez
Lors d’un séjour linguistique aux USA, le logement joue un rôle central dans l’usage réel de l’anglais et la progression.
The Five Fundamental Elements Of English Grammar
Master the 5 fundamental elements of English grammar for confident communication at the College of English Language in California, offering modern facilities and experienced teachers.
%20(Blog).avif)
Die Wahrheit über Sprachaufenthalte: Was niemand dir erzählt
Ein Sprachaufenthalt in den USA – für viele ist es der Inbegriff eines aufregenden und bildenden Abenteuers. Von San Diego bis Los Angeles locken endlose Strände, pulsierende Städte und renommierte Sprachschulen. Doch was steckt wirklich dahinter? Was wird dir oft verschwiegen, wenn du deinen Traum von einer Sprachreise planst? In diesem Artikel erfährst du die ungeschönte Wahrheit über Sprachaufenthalte und wie du das Beste aus deinem Aufenthalt herausholen kannst.
