ESTA or study Visa?
My daughter, an adult UK citizen/passport holder, has been accepted for a 1 month ballet "summer intensive" at a US Ballet Academy, and it runs from 3rd July in Orlando, Florida. Some people are telling me a student visa might be needed (M-1) because she might be classified as learning. Others say an ESTA will be fine as it is effectively a recreational activity, a kind of ballet camp. She will not be paid and gets no qualification at the end of it. I contacted the Embassy but they said they can't advise, only interview for a Visa if applied for.
Any thoughts welcomed. Thanks.
Best Answer
As a practical matter, your daughter, if she travels to the US for a month, earns no money, and flies home (or at least out of the US) afterwards is not likely to run into any trouble if she travels under the Visa Waiver Program.
One of the activities which is explicitly allowed under a tourist visa or the visa waiver program is:
enrollment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation)
which seems to match very closely with your daughter's proposed activities.
If there is any doubt, it might be wise to contact the school where your daughter will be studying to seek their advice.
Pictures about "ESTA or study Visa?"
Do I need an ESTA if I have a student visa?
If you already have a B1/B2 or any other valid visa and you are traveling for the purpose in which it was issued, you do not need to apply for an ESTA authorization.Can I get student visa from ESTA?
When students come to the USA to study, they are usually required to have a student visa. They can use ESTA visas to study in the USA, but they have to meet certain requirements. They could travel under the Visa Waiver Program and still take their classes.Can I study with ESTA?
Studying in the USA with an ESTA visa is only possible at selected schools or any government accredited institution. It is not uncommon for many students to go to USA over the summer months to study English using an ESTA US Visa.What is the difference between ESTA and visa?
The significant difference between ESTA and nonimmigrant US Visa is in the process length. While travellers eligible for ESTA permits can get their travel authorization within three days, administrative processing for US Visa takes around 180 days only to get an interview appointment with the consular officer.Esteso il permesso di lavoro full time per lo Student visa
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