• What are the immigration requirements for English institute students.passeport image by free_photo from Fotolia.com
  
  Many people choose the United States as the place to conduct their English language studies. According to the United States Bureau of Consular Affairs, if you intend enroll in a course of study that comprises 18 hours or more per week or if you intend to earn credits toward a degree, you must apply for a student visa. The first step to applying for a student visa is to familiarize yourself with the requirements.
  
  

Acceptance to a U.S. Academic Institution

• According to the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs, you must gain acceptance into an academic institution with a "Student and Exchange Visitor Program" certification, before you can apply for your student visa. When an English learning institute accepts your application, they send you the documentation you need to register for the online "Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)." You can use SEVIS to complete the required immigration forms, I-20 and DS-160 to proceed with your visa application. According to the U.S. government website, America.gov, most students must pay a $200 fee (as of August, 2010) to enroll in SEVIS.
  
  

Residence Abroad

• The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs website specifies that to apply for a student visa, you must have a residence outside of the United States you intend to occupy for the near future. Applicants between the ages of 14 and 79 are required to attend an interview at the U.S. embassy consular section in their home country.
  
  

Sufficient Funds

• America.gov, explains that you are required to show you have access to sufficient funds to support yourself during the duration of your studies. The funds need not come directly from yourself. You can provide evidence that your parents or a sponsor can cover your living costs.
  
  

Intention to Leave After Your Studies

• According to the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs, you must intend to leave the United States once you have completed your academic program to receive a student visa.
  
  

Valid Passport

• You must possess a valid passport that will allow you to travel to the United States. The expiration date of your passport must be at least six months after the date on which you intend to leave the U.S.
  
  

Additional Information

• The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs suggests you prepare to submit transcripts and diplomas from any academic institutions that you have attended in the past as well as scores from standardized tests (e.g., TOEFL, GRE) that the institution at which you intend to study may require.