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International Student and Scholar Services

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Nonimmigrants: Who Can Study

Temple University  is pleased to admit students from all over the globe.   If you you are eligible, you will be offered admission, regardless of your visa status.

Most students  who are non-immigrants study at Temple University in F-1 or J-1 status.  However, a number of  non-immigrant visa statuses exists that allow for full-time or part-time study.

Please visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's website for a list of all nonimmigrant visa classes and whether it allows for full-time or part-time study.

If you are the child or spouse of an individual in a non-immigrat status (H-1B, TN, O-1, etc)  your status is dependent on their status. You may not remain in the United States beyond the period approved for the principal in order to continue schooling. Spouses and children, except for F-2 status, can study full-time, part-time or not at all.  

If you are a child-dependent, you must change status before you turn 21. The one exception to this rule  is for individuals in "A" status.

Study Restrictions

F-2
  • F-2 spouses may not engage in a full course of study if a degree will be awarded.
  • F-2 spouses and children are permitted to enroll in "less than a full course of study," even if the course of study done part-time leads to or counts towards a degree.
  • Study that is "vocational or recreational in nature" is permitted "up to and including on a full-time basis."
  • F-2 children may engage in full-time study at the K-12 level.
  • To pursue full time study other than that permitted by this section, the F-2 must apply for and obtain a change of status to F-1, J-1, or M-1.
    • The consequences (status violation) of F-2 study that is not permitted is not in this section.
B-1/B-2 Visitors for Business or Pleasure

A B-status visitor who begins a course of study prior to the approval of a change of status application is considered to have violated a condition of his or her immigration status. USCIS will deny a change of status request if the B-1 or B-2 nonimmigrant enrolled in a course of study before filing the application for change of status or while the application is pending before USCIS.

The term "course of study" implies a focused program of classes, such as a full-time course load leading to a degree or, in the case of a vocational student, some type of certification. Casual, short-term classes that are not the primary purpose of the alien's presence in the United States, such as a single English language or crafts class, would not constitute a "course of study."

WB/WT

The same rules regarding study, employment, and receipt of payments by B-1 and B-2 nonimmigrants also apply to travelers entering the United States pursuant to the VWP as WB visitors for business or WT visitors for pleasure.  Individuals in WB or WT status are not eligible to extend or change their status in the U.S.

A Temple University student who is not a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident is classified as an international student. International Students are not generally eligible for "in state tuition". Any question regarding Pennsylvania residency should be directed to the office of Academic Records.

INCIDENTAL STUDY PERMITTED

Principal holders of A-1, A-2, E-1, E-2, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, I, L-1 and those in H-1B, H-1C, H-2A, H-2B, H-3, J-1 (Professor), J-1 (Researcher), J-1 (Short-Term Scholar), J-1 (Specialist), J-1 (Trainee), J-1 (Physician), J-1 Au Pair, O-1, O-2, P-1, P-2, P-3, R-1, TN

Individuals in one of these statuses may engage in incidental study while continuing to maintain valid status. You must continue to do what the current immigration status requires.

FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME STUDY PERMITTED

Those in A3, H-4, J-2, L-2, M-2, NATO-1-7, O-3, P-4, R-2, TD and Dependents of A-1, A-2, E-1, D-2, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, I, L-1 Q-1, Q-2, and Q-3. Individuals in one of these statuses may engage in part-time or full-time study as long as the individual continues to maintain valid status.You must continue to do what the current immigration status requires.