Q: Was accepted by UCLA Anderson FEMBA program. Need to visit 2 days a month while living+working inSwitzerland. What visa?
I live and work full-time in Switzerland. I want to complete a part-time MBA in the US and was accepted by UCLA Anderson for their FEMBA program. I will need to commute from Switzerland, visiting campus only 1 weekend a month. ESTA is not ok because it is academic studies. B1/B2 are not ok because of academic studies. F1 is not ok because it is not a full-time program. M1 visa is not full time (maybe some way to make it work?). J1 also not ok because I have no idea on how to make it work with my case. What should I do to have the best chances at succeeding?
A:
Navigating U.S. visa options for your specific educational scenario can be challenging due to the limitations of standard visa categories for academic studies. Given your situation, where you are participating in a part-time program while living and working in Switzerland, traditional student visas like the F1 and M1 may not fit since they typically require enrollment in a full-time program. Similarly, tourist visas such as B1/B2 and the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) are generally not suitable for academic study.
However, there may be alternatives worth exploring. One option could be to consult with the U.S. consulate or embassy in Switzerland for guidance. They might provide clarity on whether there's a visa category that suits your unique circumstances, or they may offer a specific solution tailored to part-time international students. Additionally, reaching out to the UCLA Anderson FEMBA program administrators could prove beneficial. They might have experience assisting international students in similar situations or could offer documentation to support your visa application.
Lastly, consider seeking advice from an immigration attorney experienced in educational visas. They could offer insight into potential pathways, such as a combination of visa types or a special case application. An attorney can provide detailed, personalized advice and guide you through the application process, increasing your chances of success. Remember, visa regulations and interpretations can vary, so it's essential to gather information from reliable sources and plan your approach carefully.
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