The student must be enrolled as a full-time student at the institution. The student must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency. The student must have sufficient funds available for self-support during the entire proposed course of study. In order to begin the process of seeking admission to the United States as a student, the applicant first must apply and be admitted to study at an INS-approved school. Under INS regulations, public school districts are approved institutions for foreign exchange students.
Admission is based on the policies of the educational program.
As with visitor exchange programs, the school must follow its policy on admission of non-resident students. Such admission is strictly at the discretion of the school district. There are no state or federal laws guaranteeing a foreign student's access to public school districts. Districts may elect not to participate in such programs, or they may limit the number of students admitted. Also, attendance at U.S. public high schools cannot exceed a total of 12 months.