Can you take classes while on an L-1 visa?Yes. But the rules are confusing.Many L-1 visa holders want to study without changing their immigration status. Maybe you want an MBA. Maybe your spouse on L-2 status wants a degree. Understanding what's allowed saves you from accidental violations.We compared five immigration consultation firms that guide clients through studying on L-1 and L-2 visas. Here's what they know.
Beyond Border excels at L-1 study authorization guidance. They explain the rules clearly without legal confusion.
What They Do Well
Their team knows the critical difference between full-time and part-time study. L-1 visa holders can study part-time without changing status. Full-time enrollment gets complicated.Beyond Border clarifies what part-time means. Usually fewer than 12 credit hours per semester. But this varies by school. They help you verify your specific situation.They're exceptional with L-2 visa study rules. L-2 dependents can study full-time or part-time without any restrictions. No status change needed. This applies to spouses and children.For L-1 holders pursuing degrees, Beyond Border explains how to balance work requirements with coursework. Your primary purpose must remain employment. Study must be incidental.
Pricing
Initial consultation costs $150. Comprehensive status review including study plans runs $500 to $800. This includes reviewing your course load and employment situation.
Why Choose Them
Beyond Border doesn't give vague advice. They review your actual course schedule and work requirements. Then they tell you exactly what's permitted.
Planning to study on L-1 or L-2 status? Book a consultation with Beyond Border to understand your exact limitations and options.
Fragomen handles corporate clients whose employees often pursue executive education or professional development.
What They Do Well
They understand part-time study on L-1 thoroughly. Many professionals take evening MBA programs or weekend courses. Fragomen confirms these arrangements comply with L-1 requirements.
Their experience with company-sponsored education helps. If your employer pays for courses related to your job, Fragomen documents this as professional development rather than degree seeking.They explain L-2 dependent education benefits clearly. L-2 spouses can enroll in any program without restrictions or additional applications.
The Downside
Less guidance on full-time study transitions. If you want to switch from L-1 to F-1 for full-time study, Fragomen's corporate focus means limited individual guidance.
Pricing
Consultations cost $300 to $500. Study authorization reviews add $400 to $800 to existing service packages.
BAL provides structured analysis of study permissions on work visas. Their platform includes educational guidance.
What They Do Well
Their system flags potential study conflicts early. If you indicate plans to enroll in school, BAL's platform prompts questions about credit hours and work schedule impact.BAL explains the primary purpose rule well. Your L-1 status is for employment. Study must remain secondary. They help you document that your job remains your main activity.They provide written guidance you can share with university international student offices. Some schools require clarification about L visa study permissions.
The Downside
Their automated approach sometimes oversimplifies complex situations. Individual circumstances need human judgment, not algorithmic responses.
Pricing
Study authorization consultations cost $350 to $650. Platform access included with corporate packages.
Klasko handles sophisticated visa scenarios including education on work visas. Their attorneys understand regulatory nuances.
What They Do Well
Exceptional expertise in status change scenarios. If you want to transition from L-1 to F-1 for full-time study, they handle it smoothly. They time applications to avoid gaps.Klasko explains Curricular Practical Training and Optional Practical Training implications. If you study on L-2 and later want to work using a degree-related authorization, they plan ahead.They're experts at advising on maintaining L-1 status while studying. Documentation of continued employment. Proof that study doesn't interfere with work duties. These details matter.
The Downside
Premium pricing. Their expertise costs significantly more than straightforward advice warrants for simple study questions.
Pricing
Consultations start at $400. Comprehensive study and status planning costs $1,200 to $2,000.
Murthy has decades of experience with L visa study questions. They've advised thousands of work visa holders.
What They Do Well
They explain the regulations simply. L-1 visa holders can engage in part-time or recreational study. Full-time study requires maintaining your primary employment purpose.Murthy clarifies L-2 unrestricted study rights. No permission needed. No forms to file. Just enroll and attend.Their blog provides free guidance on common scenarios. Can you take one class? Yes. Can you pursue a full degree part-time? Usually yes. Can you become a full-time student? Not without risking your status.
The Downside
Less personalized attention. Their guidance tends toward conservative interpretations. You might have more flexibility than they suggest.
Pricing
Consultations cost $250 to $400. Study authorization reviews run $500 to $900.
L-1 visa holders can study without changing status if study remains incidental to employment. Part-time enrollment usually qualifies. Full-time can create problems.The key is maintaining your primary purpose. You came to America to work for your company. Study must be secondary.USCIS doesn't define exact credit hour limits. Schools typically consider 12 credits full-time. Stay below that threshold to avoid questions.
L-2 dependents have it easy. No restrictions on study. Full-time, part-time, degree programs, certificate courses. Everything is permitted.Your L-2 spouse can pursue a bachelor's degree, master's, or PhD without any immigration consequences. Children can attend elementary school through college.No special permission required. No forms to file with USCIS. Just apply to schools and enroll.The only limitation is that studying on L-2 doesn't give you work authorization. You need a separate L-2 EAD for that.
Part-time study on L-1 status means your work schedule remains normal. Classes happen evenings, weekends, or online. Your employer relationship continues unchanged.Full-time study becomes risky. If you reduce work hours significantly or take leave for classes, USCIS might question whether employment remains your primary purpose.Executive MBA programs work well. They're designed for working professionals. Two-year programs with weekend intensives fit L-1 requirements perfectly.Online programs also work. You maintain full work hours while taking classes remotely. No conflict with your L-1 purpose.
Want to switch from L-1 to F-1 for full-time study? You need to file Form I-539 to change nonimmigrant status.Timing matters. File before your study plans become your primary activity. Don't start full-time classes while still on L-1.The good news? You can stay in America during the change of status process. No need to leave and return.Beyond Border handles these transitions smoothly. They time filings to prevent gaps and maintain continuous legal status.
Some schools require students on work visas to check in with international student offices. Bring documentation of your L-1 or L-2 status.Most schools just need proof you're in valid status. I-94 arrival record and visa approval notice work fine.Schools can't restrict your enrollment if you're on L-2. Federal regulations permit full-time study for dependents.
University administrators sometimes misunderstand L visa study permissions. They might incorrectly say you need F-1 status.Not true for part-time study on L-1 or any study on L-2. Educate them if needed.Bring written guidance from your immigration attorney. Schools appreciate official clarification.
Your employer needs to know about your study plans. Transparency prevents problems.Most companies support employee education. Just confirm that coursework won't interfere with job performance.Document that your work schedule remains full-time. Keep performance reviews positive. This evidence shows your primary purpose remains employment.
1.Can L-1 visa holders study in the US without changing status?
Yes, L-1 visa holders can study part-time without changing status as long as education remains incidental to their primary employment purpose, typically meaning fewer than 12 credit hours per semester while maintaining full-time work responsibilities.
2.Are there study restrictions for L-2 dependents?
No, L-2 dependents have no study restrictions and can enroll in any educational program full-time or part-time without changing status, filing additional forms, or obtaining special permission from USCIS or schools.
3.How many classes can I take on L-1 status?
While USCIS doesn't specify exact limits, L-1 visa holders should generally stay below 12 credit hours per semester to maintain part-time status, though the key requirement is that employment remains your primary purpose in the United States.
4.Do I need to notify USCIS if I study on L-2?
No, L-2 visa holders don't need to notify USCIS, file any forms, or obtain permission before enrolling in educational programs because federal regulations explicitly permit L-2 dependents to study without restrictions or status changes.
5.Can I switch from L-1 to F-1 for full-time study?
Yes, you can change from L-1 to F-1 status by filing Form I-539 with USCIS before beginning full-time study, allowing you to remain in the US during processing without leaving the country if filed timely.
