Planning a trip to the United States and wondering if you can improve your English while you are here? If you are visiting on a B-1/B-2 visa, you may be surprised to learn that you can take English classes during your stay. There are a few important rules to understand first, and this guide explains exactly what is allowed.
The B-1/B-2 is the standard visa for business visitors and tourists coming to the United States. While its main purpose is travel, business meetings, or visiting family, the U.S. government does allow B-1/B-2 visitors to enroll in short, recreational, or part-time study. This means you can join an ESL class to sharpen your English while you explore the country — as long as studying is not the main reason for your trip.
The key limit to remember is that study on a B-1/B-2 visa must remain part-time. In practice, that means fewer than 18 hours of class per week. If your program meets for 18 hours a week or more, it is considered full-time study, which is not permitted on a visitor visa. Keeping your schedule under that threshold lets you stay compliant while still making real progress in your English. A part-time ESL course is a great fit: you get structured lessons and conversation practice without crossing into full-time enrollment.
If your goal is to study English full-time, or if studying is the main purpose of your stay, you will need an F-1 student visa instead. Some visitors who fall in love with learning here decide to change their status from B-1/B-2 to F-1 so they can enroll full-time. This process involves filing Form I-539 with USCIS and receiving a Form I-20 from a SEVP-certified school like AELS. If full-time study is your plan, it is best to begin that process early, since approval can take time.
At American English Language School, we welcome visitors who want to make the most of their time in the United States. Our small-group classes focus on conversation, confidence, and real-life communication, so you start using English right away — ordering at restaurants, chatting with locals, and navigating daily life with ease. Because our schedule is flexible, visitors can choose a part-time course that fits comfortably within the B-1/B-2 limits while still delivering noticeable improvement.
Keep your class schedule part-time, under 18 hours per week, so your study stays within visitor-visa rules. Hold on to your enrollment records in case you ever need to show that your course was recreational and part-time. And if you are thinking about staying longer to study full-time, consult a qualified immigration attorney before making any decisions — immigration rules can change, and a professional can confirm what applies to your specific situation.
A visit to the United States is a wonderful opportunity to practice English in a real, everyday setting. With part-time ESL classes at AELS, you can turn your trip into meaningful language progress and lasting confidence. Whether you are here for a few weeks or a few months, we would love to help you speak English more naturally.
Learn more about our ESL programs at www.aels.edu or visit our AELS Irvine location on Google Maps to experience small-group English classes focused on conversation, confidence, and real-life communication.
Published on June 20, 2026
American English Language School (AELS) is a CEA-accredited and SEVP-approved English language school authorized to issue I-20 forms for international students. Located in Los Angeles, Orange County (Fullerton), and Irvine, California, AELS offers small classes, conversation-focused lessons, and proven results through individualized learning experiences. If you’re serious about improving your English, join AELS today!