Today, a student from Russia had inquired to ask about booking an English course in Boston for 20 months. We checked with our partner school Kaplan Aspect whether this is possible, and here’s the message we received:

“…our I-20 is only valid for 13 months and the actual duration that they can study is 12 months.  Actually, in order for us to extend the I-20 after 12 months, there should be a valid reason as to why the student will need to study more than 12 months.  Normally Immigration thinks that learning English for 1 year should be enough for the preparation of going to college if they did their best while studying during those 12 months.”

So for those of you contemplating about studying English in the US for more than a year, the immigration policy in the United States unfortunately makes it tough for foreigners to study English here for more than a year. For those interested in studying in the US for greater than 12 months, consider taking a post-graduate degree at a university instead.

Read more information about English classes in the US.

According to New York Times writer John F. Burns, the United Kingdom has decided to re-evaluate its immigration policies in an effort to eliminate terrorist threats and illegal entries into the country. Those applying for student visas will now face a much stricter screening process. While this change in policy was hastened by the Detroit terrorist attack in which a 23-year-old Nigerian was arrested after having spent three years as a student in Britain,  the British government  ordered these restrictions in November of last year. The primary aim of this decision is to dissuade the illegal immigration that has put a strain on the country’s education, medical care and welfare system.  Restrictions will include a requirement that students know enough English to pass a British high school exam, rather than just “beginner’s English.” Similarly, those coming on a student visitor visa for less than 6 months will no longer be allowed to bring their family members. Although the directive will affect all non-EU citizens, it is primarily targeted towards the Indian sub-continent and the  Arab and Muslim world. The government has halted all student visa approvals from northern India, Nepal and Bangladesh for the time being.

To read the complete article, please click here.

If you have any questions or concerns about the visa process, contact us.