News about student visas has been all over the media lately. Between canceled visa interviews, talk of banning foreign enrollment at some universities, and general chaos around F-1 visas, many families and companies are asking: Is it still possible for someone to study in the U.S.? The answer is yes, and in fact, there are ways to do it without even holding a student visa.
Some Visas Let You Study Without a F-1
Most people assume that to attend school in the U.S., you need an F-1 student visa. But that is not always the case. Certain other visas like the E-1 or E-2 (for treaty trader, treaty investors, their employees or dependents) or L-2 (for dependents of L-1 visa holders) for example, allow you to study legally while in the U.S.
So, if a parent gets transferred to the U.S. on an E or L visa, their spouse and children can come along under dependent status. Those dependents can study in the U.S. without needing an F-1 visa. That includes everything from public K-12 to college. This route avoids many of the F-1 visa headaches such as status restrictions and heavy compliance requirements.
What Happens When a Child Turns 21
There is one big catch. Dependent visas usually expire for children once they turn twenty-one. At that point, they need to have their own legal status to stay in the U.S. If they plan to continue school, they’ll need an F-1 student visa.
But here is the good news: they may not need to leave the U.S. to get one. We have worked with many families in this situation who were able to change their child’s status from E or L to F-1 from inside the country. That means no consulate appointments, no travel, and less disruption during an already stressful time.
Why This Matters More Right Now
The past few months have made this even more important. Embassies and consulates around the world canceled student visa interviews for weeks. Some still have long delays. In a few high-profile cases, schools lost or nearly lost their ability to enroll international students.
This creates huge problems for families, especially those with children planning to start college. It also has financial consequences for schools. Many rely on international tuition, which is often double or triple what in-state students pay.
That is why it is worth knowing that, in some cases, studying in the U.S. without a student visa is not only possible but also the better option.
Who This Helps Most
This strategy works well for Japanese-owned businesses transferring employees to the U.S. It is especially common in the restaurant, tech, and manufacturing, and other industries. HR leaders planning these transfers often do not realize the family members can attend school here without F-1 status.
The same applies to Japanese nationals already in the U.S. in valid E or L status who want to bring their families over. Children can attend school, and when the time comes, they can change their status here without going through the risks of traveling abroad and waiting for an uncertain visa interview.
Why You Should Plan Ahead
The key is to plan early. If your child is close to turning twenty-one, it is best to prepare at least 6–9 months in advance. That gives enough time to file a change of status application and avoid losing legal status.
The U.S. immigration system is full of exceptions and fine print, so knowing what is possible (and what is not) is essential for keeping your family safe and on track.
If your business is moving people to the U.S. or your family is already here on a temporary visa, do not assume the student visa is your only path. There are legal ways to study in the U.S. without one and in some cases, it is the smartest move you can make.
Need help planning your family’s visa options or preparing a change of status application? Contact Valvo & Associates. We are happy to help you find the best path forward.