Taking courses under Visa Waiver Program

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So, there is a school offering some courses I would like to attend in the US. This courses are non-accredited, the school is neither a university nor a college, each course is 3 hours per week and they last 10 weeks (less than 90 days).

Now, I know that I can use the Visa Waiver Program and take those courses with a visitor visa. However, I would like to take a few terms there. The gap between each term is 1-2 months, so after each term I'll leave the US and re-enter in a month or so. Would that be a problem if I did it for 1 to 1.5 years? Is there any chance the officers would reject me at the border the second or third time I try to enter?



Best Answer

You can't use the VWP and take the courses with a visitor visa, because if you are using the VWP, you don't have a visa at all. Conversely, if you have a visitor visa, you cannot use the VWP.

You say you'd like to use the VWP repeatedly for a period of one to 1.5 years, spending alternate periods of ten weeks in, and four to eight weeks out of, the United States. Since you'll be spending more time in the US than out, you run a significant risk that a border officer will think you're trying to live in the US and therefore deny entry.

You might be less likely to run afoul of border officers if you get a B-2 visa, since this allows an initial period of entry of six months by default, and you can ask for a longer period of up to one year.




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How many times can I use the Visa Waiver Program?

There is no limit on the number of times you may enter the U.S. under either ESTA of a visa.

What type of visa is the Visa Waiver Program?

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of participating countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business for 90 days or less without obtaining a U.S. visa. These citizens can use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

What is the main purpose of the Visa Waiver Program?

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables most citizens or nationals of participating countries* to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.

What are three 3 activities you Cannot do with a visitor visa?

Travel Purposes Not Permitted On Visitor Visas
  • Study.
  • Employment.
  • Paid performances, or any professional performance before a paying audience.
  • Arrival as a crewmember on a ship or aircraft.
  • Work as foreign press, in radio, film, print journalism, or other information media.
  • Permanent residence in the United States.




About Visa Waiver Program | How to travel in US without a visa | Visa Waiver Program USA 2021 | DHS




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