Year: 2025

On December 16, 2025, the White House issued a Presidential Proclamation imposing entry restrictions on nationals of 38 countries and individuals traveling on documents issued by the Palestinian Authority who do not hold a valid U.S. visa.   The countries affected are Afghanistan, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Gabon, The Gambia, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Republic…Continue Reading Updated Presidential Proclamation on Entry Restrictions for Certain Foreign Nationals 

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 December 16, 2025, Presidential Proclamation, students holding passports…Continue Reading Important Travel Update for F-1 and J-1 International Students and Scholars

The Office of International Services (OIS) would like to share several important reminders to help you maintain your F-1 or J-1 status and plan travel during the Winter Recess. Those traveling during Winter Recess are expected to return to the U.S. to attend in-person classes when the spring semester begins on January 12, 2026. Students…Continue Reading Travel Reminders for Winter Recess 2025

Continuing F-1/J-1 students can travel abroad and return to the U.S. to resume their studies. Please review the information below before traveling during spring or winter recess: 1. International students must have a valid travel signature on their I-20/DS-2019 to re-enter the U.S. in F-1/J-1 status. Each travel signature is valid for one year from…Continue Reading Travel and Emergency Contact Information

Celebrate global flavors and community at Globefest today, December 1, 2025! Sample cuisines from around the world and enjoy fun activities throughout the event!…Continue Reading Globefest! Dec 1, 2025 on McCarthy Quad

The University will close for the Thanksgiving holiday on November 27-28, 2025. The Office of International Services will reopen on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 8:30am….Continue Reading The University will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on November 27-28, 2025

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

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 will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2025 for Labor Day graphic….Continue Reading OIS Closed for Labor Day Holiday

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