F-1 students

F-1 students can find pertinent information on various concerns they may face during their time at USC.  These topics include maintaining international student statustravel and more.

J-1 Degree Students

We hope that you are enjoying your J-1 academic program at USC. Should your department invite you to continue to study at USC, information pertaining DS-2019 extensions, travel, and visa renewal are outlined for Exchange Visitors. Other important topics covered in this section include off-campus employment via Academic Training, U.S. taxes, program completion, J-1 bars, and J-2 dependents.

Maintaining Visa Status

This page provides Exchange Visitors with guidelines for maintaining their J-1 student status fo the duration of their program.

DS-2019 Extensions

This page provides Exchange Visitors with instructions on how to extend the end date of the DS-2019.

Travel and Visa Renewal

Our travel section will provide you with an overview of how to obtain a travel signature on your DS-2019, what documents you are required to bring to re-enter the U.S. This section also includes information on visa and passport renewals.

U.S. Taxes

Most Exchange Visitors are liable for taxation on any income earned in the United States. Please review this page for more information on U.S. taxes.

J-1 Bars

This page reviews the 2-year bar on Home Residence Requirement (212e) and the 12- and 24-month bars on Repeat Participation.

J-2 Dependents

An Exchange Visitor may be accompanied by his or her dependent(s) at any time. This section is directed towards J-2 dependents. Topics covered include travel, the 2-year home residency requirements and employment authorization.

Academic Training

Academic Training (AT) is a benefit given to J-1 students that allows them to gain practical work experience that relates to the field of study indicated on their DS-2019.

Safety

This page provides information about USC’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) to ensure USC Exchange Visitors remain safe.

J-1 Transfer Out

Exchange Visitors at USC interested in transferring out to a new institution must follow the instructions within this page.

Program Completion

This section provides Exchange Visitors information regarding program completion and their reporting responsibilities.


Prospective students interested in applying to USC can find information about the admissions process at the Admissions Office.

New incoming international students can review the New Student section to learn about the steps involved in arriving at USC and getting settled.  These steps include receiving the USC I-20/DS-2019, applying for the student visa, arriving in LA, attending orientation, and completing Passport Verification.