The U.S. State Department Encourages Foreign students to consider English language study in the United States

The U.S. State Department issued a cable on December 13th to all consular posts with regard to applicants for F-1 visas whose purpose is to study in intensive English programs in the United States. In the cable, the State Department reminds posts of the important role English language study holds in international education in the United States, and affirms that it encourages foreign students to consider language study in the United States. According to the cable, having future academic plans is not a prerequisite in order to study English in the United States. It is also noted in the cable that visa applicants may have a variety of reasons to choose language study in the United States, even if there are other closer or less expensive options. Furthermore, the cable stresses that prior English study in the applicant's home country or another country is not a prerequisite for beginning English study in the United States, as well as the fact that if an ESL or other education program is available locally, this is not in itself grounds for refusing an applicant. Acknowledging that many students find language learning enhanced by living in the country where the language is spoken, the cable advises consular officers neither to refuse prospective students on this basis nor to suggest other alternatives. However, in adjudicating visa applications, consular officers are also directed to be mindful of addressing immigrant intent concerns, and to focus on the applicant's motivations for studying English in determining whether or not he or she is a bona fide language student.

In addition, the cable points out that a wide range of educational institutions offering ESL courses in the United States are authorized to issue I-20 forms, including programs affiliated with colleges and other institutions, as well as proprietary schools. The American Association of Intensive English Programs (AAIEP) and University and College Intensive English Programs (UCIEP) are cited as two major consortia of leading institutions offering English courses. These consortia and the Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency, the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA), are mentioned as resources for answering questions about the bona-fides of institutions offering English language studies in the United States.