Can I study at Riverside?
If you're interested in attending Riverside's intensive English classes, follow the directions below.
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Applications for full-time English classes are now closed.
The next application date will be in August 2026.
Check if you are eligible
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To be considered, you must be:
✓ 18 years old
✓ Living in New York City
✓ An applicant for permanent residence or asylum
✓ A refugee, asylum seeker, or green card holder for less than five years
✓ Able to participate in classes full time: Monday to Friday, 9am–3pm, for six weeks
✓ Proof of address, which can be:
Home Utility Bill
Posted Mail with Name of Applicant
Current Rent Receipt with the Name of the Applicant
Letter from Landlord or Lease Agreement with the Name of the Applicant
School Records (if applicable)
COVID-19: While we no longer require participants to be fully vaccinated, we strongly encourage anyone applying to be fully vaccinated. You are considered fully vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Novavax vaccines.
If you meet these requirements,
go to the next step.
Register with the New York State Virtual Career Center
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All Riverside participants are now required to register with the New York State Virtual Career Center. Learn more about the New York Virtual Career Center here. This overview includes information on how to sign up and is available in different languages. Scroll down to the bottom of the page for language translation.
For more information on how to register, visit the Virtual Career Center website or follow the steps below:
Step 1: Create a New York State ID. You can find translated instructions here on how to create a State ID:
Arabic Chinese English French Russian Spanish Ukrainian
Step 2: Use your New York State ID to register with the Virtual Career Center.
After you register with the Virtual Career Center, go to the next step.
Apply for our classes
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Applications for full-time English classes starting on Tuesday, May 12th, 2026 are now closed.
You will need:
1.Proof of Status
Proof of status can be one of the following: Immigrant Visa, I-94, Passport, Green Card, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), a copy of your application for permanent residence, or political asylum.
If you are not sure if your proof of status is acceptable, please contact us at 212-662-3200 or info@riversideimmigrantservices.org
2.Photo Identification
3.Proof of address
Commonly Accepted Proof of Address Documents
Utility Bills: Electricity, gas, water, or landline phone bills (usually within 3–6 months).
Financial Records: Bank statements, credit card statements, or mortgage statements.
Housing Documentation: Current lease or rental agreements (often requiring landlord contact info).
Official Correspondence: Pay stubs, letters from employers, or insurance policies.
The next application date will be: August 2026.
Other Options
If you are not eligible for classes with Riverside Language Program there are still many low-cost or free options for you to learn and improve your English in New York City.