"We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost," Article of Faith 4.
"Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water" Matthew 3:16
"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism—yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel." 2 Nephi 31:13
To me the requirement to be baptized fully immersed in water is clear. Jesus said, come follow me, meaning do as I did. He was immersed. Some say it doesn't matter, but how could the Savior's example not matter?
