Do I really need a student visa?

[OniSan 0]

Good afternoon everybody!

My name is Marcello, 26 y.o. from Italy.

Me and my girlfriend (both italian citizens) would like to take an intensive english course in San Francisco by the end of Apr 2012.

What I would like to know is: being that we'll stay in the US for "just" about 6 weeks, is it going to be enough if we use the Visa Waiver Program (that allows italian citizens to travel to the US with no need of Visas for up to 90 days) or is it necessary for us to apply for a Student Visa, being that our main purpose is studying and not tourism?

Hope I made my point clear

Thanks in advance for your help!

[Nina~ 431]

I want to say Yes, however you will need an I-20 issued by the school in order to apply for a student visa. I would suggest you contact your school and get more information from them.

[ceadsearc 516]

That depends on the class. According to USCIS, short periods of recreational study (non-credit earning) are allowed on visitor visas.

http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1267.html#3

[Nina~ 431]

That depends on the class. According to USCIS, short periods of recreational study (non-credit earning) are allowed on visitor visas.

http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1267.html#3

The OP is asking about VWP, not tourist visas.

[beejay 125]

Have no experience with this topic but from what I've found on the internets it looks like if the class is less than 17 class hours per week and he only plans to stay in the U.S. for 90 days it should be ok on the VWP.

Travel.state.gov says when in doubt if you're activities will be regarded as tourism to call your local US Embassy to verify.

[OniSan 0]

Thanks everybody for your replies! The course is gonna be reeeeally intensive, like 6 to 8 hours per day 5 days a week and I will get a CELTA degree from that. From what I understood from the previous posts, that means I do need to get a student visa anyway.

Too bad, I hoped I could save some extra money & time through the VWP instead

Thanks again!

[beejay 125]

30-40 hours per week? Intensive is right. Doesn't sound like you will have much time for 'touring'

Good luck on your studies!

[MalaysianGirl 26]

All the best with your student visa application!

[ceadsearc 516]

The OP is asking about VWP, not tourist visas.

Yes, but the VWP page isn't very clear on it and says that the uses of VWP are the same (tourism/business) as would qualify for a B visa. I'm not saying they can, but that it MAY be a possibility. Best idea would be to contact USCIS/the consulate/etc.