If you are coming to Fermilab from a country where English is not the official language, we must confirm that you have sufficient English language abilities to participate in our J-1 programs. US regulations require us to obtain this proof from every applicant, even those from English-speaking countries and/or institutions, so there is no exception from this requirement unless English is the official language of your country. There are four ways to do this:
You can take the 15 minute English Proficiency test online and provide the PDF of your results page.
You can email a TOEFL or other standard English language test results to the Visa Office or fax it to the Education Office at 630-840-8248
You can be interviewed, either by a professor from your school on behalf of Fermilab, or by one of Fermilab’s scientists. The interview may be in person, or by video teleconferencing, or webcam. It cannot be by telephone. If the interview is done by a professor from your school, this person must enter into an agreement with Fermilab first that sets out the conditions of such an interview. The professor (not you) must contact the Fermilab Visa Office to inquire, and we will send him/her the agreement, complete information about how the interview must be conducted, and a template letter for the final report of the interview.
Your school can confirm that you have attended English language classes as part of your course of studies, or that all or certain (named) courses are conducted in English. The school also must confirm that it (the school) thinks your abilities are sufficient for participation in the internship program. The school must use the English Language Certification shown below to do this. No other form will be accepted.
<full address of the University>
<Date>
To whom it may concern:
This is to certify proficiency in English of <full name of student>, student of #th year of study in the <Institution Name> in the Department of <Department Field>.
<Name> has completed # semesters of English classes, totaling ### hours. OR <Name> has completed # semesters of classes that were taught in English, totaling ### hours.
The final grade awarded to <Name> for the Fall 2008 semester was # (out of # possible). <Name> has a level of fluency in English that is satisfactory for successful participation in a summer internship in the U.S.A.
<Name of the official>,
<Title>
If you are a native English-language speaker, a professor or other representative of your institution may produce a letter, on institution letterhead, that says any or all fo the following statements, as appropriate to your situation. The letter may then be emailed to Visa Office or faxed to the Education Office at 630-840-8248.
<Date>
To whom it may concern:
This is to certify proficiency in English of <full name of student> , student of #th year of study in the <Institution Name> in the Department of <Department Field>.
<Name>’s native language is English. S/he was born in <Country>, the official language of which is English. Further, <Institution Name> teaches all courses in English. I therefore confirm that <Name> is fluent in English.
<Name of the official>,
<Title>
Questions? Comments? Contact the Visa Office!