To study acting... what kind of VISA???

[Mauro86 0]

Hi to you all!

I'm planning to come to the USA the next summer to study acting. What kind of VISA do I need to get my aim???

I think it should be F-1 or M-1, but I haven't understood the real differences between them.

May anyone explain me, please???

Anyway, can I study acting (and finding local lodging) with a normal tourist visa?

Thank you very much!!!

[Penguin_ie 5,995]

Normally no, you cannot take acting classes on a tourist visa unless it is just a "fun" class. For serious study, you will need a student visa. How will you be studying? The college/ school you plan to attend should be able to help with the suitable visa.

[aaron2020 11,651]

Hi to you all!

I'm planning to come to the USA the next summer to study acting. What kind of VISA do I need to get my aim???

I think it should be F-1 or M-1, but I haven't understood the real differences between them.

May anyone explain me, please???

Anyway, can I study acting (and finding local lodging) with a normal tourist visa?

Thank you very much!!!

Study acting where???? A university? A private instructor?

For an F-1 or M-1 visa, a student must first be accepted to a university or vocational school AND be issued an I-20 by the school BEFORE the student can apply for a visa.

Have you been accepted to a US school? If not, then that is your first step.

You cannot use a normal tourist visa to attend school. Attending school would violate the terms of the tourist visa.

You can use a normal tourist visa to attend private acting lessons. This is just like any other tourist getting a personal service from a valet, waiter, etc. So, no violation of the terms of the tourist visa.

Edited October 14, 2012 by aaron2020

[Mauro86 0]

Not an academy (too expensive) but a simple class, like these:

http://theactingcenterla.com/

http://www.theactingcorps.com/

http://theactingcenterla.com/

...just to give three expamples.

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An off-topic question: if I go to the US as a tourist, may I enroll myself in a gym?

Edited October 14, 2012 by Mauro86

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

Yes you can enroll in a gym. Also you can attend the acting classes on a tourist visa. These are not classes geared toward a degree. You should be applying for a tourist visa, or if you can use the VWP for the 90 days.

[Mauro86 0]

Yes you can enroll in a gym. Also you can attend the acting classes on a tourist visa. These are not classes geared toward a degree. You should be applying for a tourist visa, or if you can use the VWP for the 90 days.

Really??? Can a normal tourist visa be enough to realize my dream???

But If the course is longer than 90 days?

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

Really??? Can a normal tourist visa be enough to realize my dream???

But If the course is longer than 90 days?

If you use the VWP, all you have is 90 days per visit. If you apply and receive a B2 visitor visa you may receive up to 6 months.

Now if taking these classes will help with your dream, go for it, but most actors have put in more higher nvetstment toward their acting careers, such as a degree.

Edited October 14, 2012 by LIFE'SJOURNEY

[Mauro86 0]

If you use the VWP, all you have is 90 days per visit. If you apply and receive a B2 visitor visa you may receive up to 6 months.

Now if taking these classes will help with your dream, go for it, but most actors have put in more higher nvetstment toward their acting careers, such as a degree.

Yes, I agree with you. But do you think 3 months are too few?

[Anh map 2,098]

Yes, I agree with you. But do you think 3 months are too few?

Isn't typical for a person to study acting for several years?

[jaycali 415]

Really??? Can a normal tourist visa be enough to realize my dream???But If the course is longer than 90 days?

How long you need acting classes for, I don't know. If you're an Italian citizen you don't need a visa to travel for up to 90 days. You need to fill out an ESTA form and pay $14. You can do this here ESTA. If it comes back approved, it'll be valid for 2 years and you can use it to enter the US for up to 90 days.

If you think you will need more than 90 days, you can apply for a B-2 tourist visa. This will allow you to stay up to 180 days. You'll have to apply at the US Embassy in Rome here. If you're eligible to just go on the VWP, and you're unsure how long you will be taking classes for, I suggest you just go for up to 90 days first.