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 starting on Monday, October 6th to Friday, November 21st, 2025 are now open.
1
Check if you are eligible
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.
2
Register with Job Zone
All Riverside participants are now required to register with Job Zone. Learn more about Job Zone 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 Job Zone 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 Job Zone. You can find translated instructions here on how to register with Job Zone:
Arabic Chinese English French Russian Spanish Ukrainian
After you register with Job Zone, go to the next step.
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
Before you submit your application, please make sure you meet all requirements. After you submit your application, a Riverside representative will contact you regarding registration eligibility.
Please be aware that submitting an application does not guarantee enrollment in our classes. Due to high demand, we can only accept a limited number of applicants. If you don't receive a response by next week, please email us at: info@riversideimmigrantservices.org
The next application date will be:
Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
3
Apply for our classes
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.