What is the difference between accreditation and SEVP certification?

Accreditation is about teaching quality: an independent body has inspected the school. SEVP certification is about immigration: the school is authorized to enroll F-1 students and issue Form I-20. They are separate, and a school can hold one without the other, so check for both.

What does CEFR B2 mean?

B2 is the fourth of six levels on the Common European Framework of Reference, described as upper-intermediate or independent user. It is roughly the level at which you can follow a lecture and hold a detailed conversation, but each institution sets its own admission requirements.

What are contact hours and why do they matter?

Contact hours describe scheduled instruction. They help compare courses but do not establish eligibility to study as a visitor.

Glossary, study abroad and student visa terms explained

25 terms, defined the way someone would explain them to you rather than the way a government form does. Filter or search below.

AccreditationSchools: CEA accreditation, EnglishUSA membership and SEVP certification are separate checks. Confirm the specific school and campus in the DHS school search and ask its designated school official about Form I-20 eligibility.
Avocational studyVisas: Weekly hours alone do not establish permission to study as a visitor. Language training generally requires the student route; the visitor exception is for a short recreational, non-credit course during a tourist visit. Confirm the specific course and your circumstances before booking. Read more →
B-2 visaVisas: Visitor visa category. A short recreational, non-credit course during tourism may qualify; a language course is not permitted merely because it is part-time.
CEACommission on English Language Program AccreditationSchools: The main accrediting body for intensive English programs in the United States. CEA accreditation is a meaningful quality signal and is separate from SEVP certification, which is about immigration rather than teaching.
CEFRCommon European Framework of ReferenceLevels: The six-level scale used to describe language ability: A1 and A2 (basic), B1 and B2 (independent), C1 and C2 (proficient). Schools may use their own placement systems. Admission requirements vary by institution and degree program.
Contact hoursCourses: Scheduled instructional hours per week. Ask how lessons, workshops and labs are counted. Hours alone do not establish visa eligibility. Read more →
DS-160Visas: The online US nonimmigrant visa application form. The listed student visa application base fee is $185; additional charges may apply. Follow your consulate’s payment and appointment instructions.
Duration of StatusD/SVisas: The July 17, 2026 final rule lists September 15, 2026 as its effective date, subject to congressional review. As checked on September 10, that listed date is still ahead. Consult the rule and your designated school official for current implementation and transition requirements. Read more →
ESTAElectronic System for Travel AuthorizationVisas: Pre-travel authorization for eligible VWP travelers. The listed application fee is $40.27 as checked 2026-09-10. It does not guarantee admission or permission for a course; the VWP visit limit is 90 days.
eTAElectronic Travel AuthorizationVisas: Canadian pre-travel authorization, costing CAD $7 where required. Eligibility depends on passport, travel method and status; exemptions and selected visa-required travelers are covered by IRCC rules. It generally lasts up to five years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. Listed for comparison; the catalog is US-only.
ETAElectronic Travel AuthorisationVisas: The UK pre-travel permission for non-visa nationals. Costs £20 and is checked at boarding. Not a visa, a Border Force officer still decides admission on arrival. Listed for comparison, this directory covers US programs only. Read more →
F-1 visaVisas: Weekly hours alone do not establish permission to study as a visitor. Language training generally requires the student route; the visitor exception is for a short recreational, non-credit course during a tourist visit. Confirm the specific course and your circumstances before booking. Read more →
HomestayHousing: Living with a host household, sometimes with meals included. Compare the written price, meal plan, commute, house rules and cancellation conditions.
I-20Form I-20Visas: Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, issued by a SEVP-certified school after its admission and financial-evidence checks. Use its SEVIS information for the I-901 process and follow the consulate's appointment instructions.
IEPIntensive English ProgramCourses: Intensive English Program: a concentrated English course. Schools set their own schedules, levels and session lengths. Confirm actual instructional hours, starting level and completion requirements.
Level testLevels: A placement assessment used to select an appropriate class. Timing and format vary. Ask whether the school also requires an external test or other evidence for admission.
Pathway programCourses: A course that may help meet a named institution’s entry requirements. Progression, credit and test waivers depend on written conditions; course completion alone does not guarantee degree admission. Confirm the immigration requirements for the specific program. Read more →
Section 214(b)Visas: A US visa-refusal provision concerning qualification for the requested nonimmigrant category and, where applicable, overcoming the presumption of immigrant intent. Read the refusal notice and official guidance for your circumstances.
SEVISStudent and Exchange Visitor Information SystemVisas: The US system tracking student and exchange visitor records. The listed F/M I-901 base fee is $350. Follow official instructions for payment, receipt and any refund or transfer questions.
SEVP certificationSchools: Authorization for a school to enroll F-1 students and issue Form I-20. Distinct from accreditation: SEVP is about immigration, CEA is about teaching quality. A school can hold one without the other, so check for both.
Short-term study visaVisas: A UK route specifically for English language courses longer than six months and no longer than eleven months. Costs £228 plus a healthcare surcharge, usually £776, must be applied for before travel, and cannot be extended. The step up from the Standard Visitor route. Listed for comparison. This directory covers US programs only.
Standard VisitorVisas: The UK visitor route may permit an English course of up to six months at an accredited institution. Course, provider, visitor eligibility and entry-document conditions all matter. Listed for comparison; this directory covers US programs only. Read more →
Study permitVisas: A Canadian document authorizing study under its conditions; it is not a visa or entry document. A program of six months or less may qualify for an exemption if it can be completed within the stay authorized on entry. Confirm the complete program and entry requirements separately. Listed for comparison; this directory covers US programs only. Read more →
TOEFL / IELTSLevels: Standardized English proficiency tests used by many institutions. Ask the specific program which test, score or alternative evidence it accepts and whether a placement test is also required.
VWPVisa Waiver ProgramVisas: The US Visa Waiver Program permits eligible travelers from participating countries to seek admission for qualifying visits of up to 90 days with ESTA authorization. Nationality alone does not establish eligibility, admission or permission to study.

Reviewed September 7, 2026. Requirements vary between schools and change without notice. Always confirm the specifics with the school before you rely on them.

Glossary

The terms that decide your visa and your bill

Common questions