Dear Students, On behalf of the Office of International Services (OIS), I want to personally welcome you to campus. To those who are joining the university as a new admitted student, we are glad you are here to begin your academic program at USC. To those who are continuing students, welcome back. I am excited…Continue Reading Welcome Message from the Director of OIS
Category: News
What You Need to Know: Proposed Change to F-1 and J-1 Visa Duration
On August 28, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement released a proposed rule. It would change the initial admission period for F-1 and J-1 students and scholars to match the program end date noted on their Form I-20 or DS-2019, not to exceed four years. We know that…Continue Reading What You Need to Know: Proposed Change to F-1 and J-1 Visa Duration
OIS Closed for Labor Day Holiday
OIS will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2025 for Labor Day graphic….Continue Reading OIS Closed for Labor Day Holiday
Interim President Beong-Soo Kim Visits the Office of International Services
Last week, Interim President Beong-Soo Kim visited the Office of International Services and spent time with our incredible staff, who welcome and support our students from around the world. …Continue Reading Interim President Beong-Soo Kim Visits the Office of International Services
F and J Visa Appointments Set to Resume
The U.S. Department of State announced on June 18 that U.S. embassies and consulates abroad will soon resume scheduling F and J visa appointments for students and scholars from most countries. The Office of International Services is communicating with the impacted members of our international community. We are here to support our international students and…Continue Reading F and J Visa Appointments Set to Resume
Important Travel Update for F-1 and J-1 International Students and Scholars
Travel Considerations While students may travel internationally during scheduled university breaks, international travel remains fluid, and new restrictions could be implemented with little notice. The decision to travel internationally should be made carefully. As always, OIS will provide updates as new information becomes available. Due to the June 4, 2025, Presidential Proclamation, students holding passports…Continue Reading Important Travel Update for F-1 and J-1 International Students and Scholars
Presidential Proclamation on Entry Restrictions for Certain Foreign Nationals
On June 4, the White House issued a Presidential Proclamation that imposes entry restrictions on nationals of 19 countries. The Office of International Services sent a message to impacted members of our international community, and will continue to communicate directly with them. If you are on F-1 or J-1 status and a national of one of…Continue Reading Presidential Proclamation on Entry Restrictions for Certain Foreign Nationals
Important Update for the International Student and Scholar Community
As you may have read, the U.S. Department of State has directed U.S. embassies and consulates to pause scheduling new visa interviews for student and exchange visitor applicants pending further guidance about social media screening procedures. In addition, a new federal policy position announced by the secretary of state may lead to some student visas being revoked. We know this news is concerning….Continue Reading Important Update for the International Student and Scholar Community
OIS Closed for Memorial Day, May 26, 2025
The Office of International Services will be closed on Monday, May 26, 2025, in observance of Memorial Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 8:30 AM….Continue Reading OIS Closed for Memorial Day, May 26, 2025
What to Expect at a Port of Entry
OIS has published guidance on what to expect at a port of entry, including during U.S. Customs and Border Protection secondary inspections, which may include requests for passwords, access to locked electronic devices, and/or review of laptop files, phone data, and social media accounts. On April 9, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that,…Continue Reading What to Expect at a Port of Entry