No, a B-2 tourist visa does not allow full-time study in the United States. The B-2 visa is intended for temporary visits, such as tourism, family visits, or short recreational courses. If your primary purpose is to study, you must apply for an F-1 student visa (for academic programs) or an M-1 visa (for vocational programs).

If you are in the U.S. on a B-2 visa and decide you want to study, you must file a Change of Status application (Form I-539) with USCIS to switch to F-1 or M-1 status before starting your program. It is important not to begin classes until the change of status is approved. Otherwise, you risk losing lawful status and could face problems with future visa applications.

The only exception is for short, non-credit courses that are recreational in nature for example, a two-week cooking class, art workshop, or language course as part of a vacation. These must be incidental to your visit and cannot count toward a degree or certificate. Any attempt to engage in full-time or degree-seeking study on a B-2 visa could be considered a violation of status.