English Language Resources for Undocumented & Immigrant Students

Update: As of the Fall 2025 semester, Queens College will no longer have ESL classes for outside registration. We recommend instead to review the resources below. 

The English Language Program at LaGuardia Community College

Service Information

The classes at TELC are designed to help improve your language skills and help you reach other goals, such as enrolling in college, or living more comfortably in the United States. To register at TELC, create a profile and choose a course. You will be able to pay when you register. If you are a new student, you will receive information about a placement test after you register and pay. For more details, please visit their website, call (718) 482-5360 or visit their office at 31-10 Thomson Avenue –  office C-354, Long Island City, NY 11101.

The CUNY Adult Literacy & ESL Program

The CUNY Adult Literacy (HSE/ESL) Program is a cornerstone of CUNY’s Division of Adult and Continuing Education. The program offers adult literacy programs at fourteen CUNY Campuses across all five boroughs. Within the program, there are three areas of instruction.

• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL): A curriculum designed for immigrants to improve their abilities to speak, understand, read, and write. Courses are available at all levels.
• Pre-High School Equivalency (Pre-HSE): A curriculum enabling students to improve their reading, writing, and mathematics skills, preparing them to participate in high school equivalency classes.
• High School Equivalency (HSE/GED) Preparation: A curriculum where students improve their reading, writing, and mathematic skills as examined on the High School Equivalency (HSE) exam.

If students want to learn more about available programs, they can click the button below and view the courses available by location.

New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) English Courses

The New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) provides New York City residents with English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. The classes are designed to help individuals build their speaking and reading skills. Individuals do not need a social security number (SSN) or any documentation to enroll in these courses.

To be eligible for the FREE courses, individuals:

• Must live in New York City
• Be 21 years or older
• Not have received a U.S. high school diploma or its equivalent

Individuals interested in enrolling in courses can start by clicking the button below and reviewing the registration information.

If individuals have questions or concerns, they should direct their questions to adultednyc@schools.nyc.gov and 646-481-8227.

New York Public Library English Courses

The New York Public Library offers FREE English courses and resources to help adult improve their communication skills. Four types of classes are available at more than twenty libraries in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. The types of courses are outlined below.

We Speak NYC English Conversation Classes

“We Speak NYC English Conversation Classes” is a free supplemental English language resource offered online and in person. These informal, conversational classes are for beginner, intermediate, and advanced English learners who want to sharpen their speaking and listening skills.

To participate in the “We Speak NYC English Conversation Classes,” please click the button below for a calendar of upcoming classes.

Series-Based English Classes

Also, the New York Public Library offers series-based classes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced-level learners. These structured courses come in three forms, outlined below.

• ESOL Classes: Classes designed for non-native speakers to improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
• Adult Basic Education Classes: Classes for students who already speak English but want to improve their reading and writing.
• English for Work Classes: Classes designated for intermediate and advanced speakers looking for work or are already employed and want a better job.

These classes are held year-round in 10-week cycles and offered online and in person. To be eligible for these FREE courses, individuals:

• Be 18 years or older
• Make a six-month commitment
• Live, work, or study in New York City

Please note that no documentation is required. Individuals may participate, regardless of their immigration status. 

Individuals interested in participating in these courses must click the button below to attend an information session. After completing the information session and placement test, individuals can finalize their registration with an in-person registration process.