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J-1 Exchange Visitor Funding Requirements — USC OIS

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J-1 exchange visitors may receive funding from multiple sources, including USC, the visitor’s home government, the visitor’s home university, personal sources and outside organizations. 

In addition, J-1 scholars may be USC employees but cannot hold tenure-track positions, as this conflicts with their nonimmigrant visa status.

J-1 Scholars

J-1 scholar living expenses: $24,000/year ($2,000/month)

J-2 dependent spouse: $14,244 for your spouse ($1,187/month)

J-2 dependent child (under 21): $7,128/year per child ($594/month per child)

J-1 Non-Degree Students

Over 51% of funding for J-1 non-degree students must come from sources other than personal funding. This rule is waived for direct exchange students through an established exchange agreement (MOU).

J-1 non-degree student tuition and living expenses: $24,000/year ($2,000/month) plus value of tuition and fees

Tuition and fees: If you are a non-degree student, please inquire with the department administrator from the USC sponsoring academic department.

J-2 dependent spouse: $14,244 for your spouse ($1,187/month)

J-2 dependent child (under 21): $7,128/year per child ($594/month per child)

J-1 Degree Students

Over 51% of funding must come from a source other than personal funding for J-1 degree students. 

J-1 degree student tuition and living expenses: If you are a degree student, please reference USC’s yearly figures for tuition and living expenses by degree level. If you are requesting a one-semester program extension, divide the yearly total by two.

J-2 dependent spouse: $14,244 for your spouse ($1,187/month)

J-2 dependent child (under 21): $7,128/year per child ($594/month per child)

What to Submit for the Proof of Funding Requirement

Applicants must provide financial documents proving they can meet the funding requirement when applying for their visa. The required document type varies depending on a J-1 exchange visitor’s funding source; see below for details. The document must be no older than three months from the date it is submitted.

Funding SourceDocument
USCInvitation letter from USC
Outside organization or home governmentLetter outlining the funding amount and duration of funding
Self-fundedBank statement or letter from the bank in the exchange visitor’s or parent’s name
A combination of different financial sourcesThe minimum total funding amount may be met through a combination of funding sources indicated above
  1. If a bank statement is not in English, provide an official translation. AI-generated translations will not be accepted.
  2. Bank statements must show the total balance of the checking or savings account. 
  3. No investments, stocks or mutual funds are accepted.
  4. Online bank statements must indicate the account holder and identify the type of account.
  5. Funding should be in U.S. dollars. If not, please attach a currency conversion printout.
  6. Funds must be readily available liquid funds (no penalty for withdrawals). 
  7. Letters from a bank must be printed on bank stationery and signed or stamped.
  8. J-1 short-term scholars, research scholars and professors may provide USC funding letters if supported by USC. For all other J-1 categories, employment or income letters will not be accepted.
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