Work and Travel

[carmichael01 0]

Hello. First of all, I'm sorry If I chose the wrong topic for my question. I'm a second years Psychology student from Istanbul, Turkey. This summer I want to go to U.S to work and travel, and do a little research about my department, workshops or any other educational programs that I can join. However I want to do this by my own, without any office to ''help'' me. Everything is clear accept what kind of visa I should apply for. So, I'm basically supposed to be a tourist with working permission. Ergo, I'm confused a little bit about which visa type I might select and apply for. If anyone could answer my question, that would be very helpful, cheers.

[JFH 12,190]

There is no "working holiday" visa for the USA like there is for Australia and other places. 

 

What work are you doing? Is this private independent research for your studies (such as visiting libraries) or are you attending a structured course of seminars? For a structured course you will need a student visa. For library visits, etc that you do completely independently then you will be fine as a tourist as such things are permitted as a tourist. Even short recreational courses are permitted on a B-2 tourist visa such as cooking classes but the key thing here is that the classes are taken purely as a hobby and not to further one's career. 

 

There is no "tourist with working permission" visa. Sounds like you need a student visa. 

Edited April 21, 2018 by JFH

[databit 328]

You cannot work on a tourist visa. So bring plenty of money if you come on a tourist visa. 

 

For the future: Getting a student visa won't happen this year. US colleges are very, very expensive, you will not qualify for government loans, and you can only work 20 hours a week on a student visa, work on campus only. Bring even more money if you come on a student visa.