The US Government requires that MICA verify that exchange visitors have sufficient English language to successfully participate in their teaching or research on-campus and to function in daily life off-campus. An objective measure must be used to determine English language proficiency.
A sponsor must verify an applicant's English language proficiency through:
- a recognized English language test,
- signed documentation from an academic institution or English language school, or
- through a documented interview conducted by the sponsor either in-person or by videoconferencing, or by telephone if videoconferencing is not a viable option (please contact International Education for more information on conducting an interview).
From 22 CFR 62.10(a)(2): Sponsors must establish and utilize a method to screen and select prospective exchange visitors to ensure that they are eligible for program participation, and that:
The exchange visitor possesses sufficient proficiency in the English language, as determined by an objective measurement of English language proficiency, successfully to participate in his or her program and to function on a day-to-day basis.