ISSS strongly recommends that students attending a program of study at The New School apply for an I-20 and an F-1 visa for their time in the United States. Since students who are registered for classes usually come to New York for the primary purpose
of studying, spend most of their time in class, and earn college credit for the courses, F-1 status is the most appropriate non-immigrant status for them. In order for them to obtain an I-20 and an F-1 visa for their time in the United States, the
program must be I-20- and F1 visa–eligible.
B-1 and B-2 as well as WB and WT (ESTA) and other tourist statuses impose strict restrictions on study; violating these restrictions can lead to problems with U.S. visas in the future. If your trip to the United States is not for the sole purpose of study
and you will be a tourist taking a class that will not occupy most of your time in the country, a tourist visa might be appropriate. If you choose to study in the United States as a tourist, you do so at your own risk.
If you are unsure what status is appropriate for your visit to the United States and are not eligible to apply for F-1 or J-1 status, ISSS advises contacting your local U.S. consulate or embassy to ask what the most appropriate status for your case is and what requirements you must meet.