Category: News

USC students on OPT have been targeted by scammers and we want to ensure you have the information you need to protect yourself from danger.  Scammers aggressively target international students, usually through phone calls or social media messages, impersonating government agency personnel and intimidating them by threatening their OPT status. Scammers then ask students to…Continue Reading Warning: Protect Yourself from OPT Scams and Phone Scams

International students should consider joining clubs and student organizations at USC for several important reasons: Joining clubs and student organizations can significantly enrich the USC experience and contribute to a student’s personal and professional development. It’s an opportunity to make the most of one’s time at USC. Fight On!…Continue Reading Why Should I Join a USC Student Club or Organization?

Students across the country are being targeted by phone scams. Callers spoof their phone numbers and identify themselves as officers from local and/or foreign police departments, FBI, Homeland Security, IRS, and even students who claim to being looking for roommates. They have aggressive phone tactics where they make-up fake scenarios and threaten to arrest and…Continue Reading Beware of Scams!

Appointments for visa stamping at some US Embassies and Consulates abroad remain backlogged. Please note that each consulate has its own practices, and that you are responsible for following the consulate’s instructions for scheduling an appointment, and presenting the specific documentation requested. Some consulates have guidance for requesting an expedited appointment, while others are not…Continue Reading Visa Processing Delays at Certain U.S. Embassies and Consulates – Limited Appointment Availability

The Office of International Services wishes everyone a very happy Thanksgiving. Our office will close at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 and will reopen on Monday, November 27, 2023 at 8:30 AM….Continue Reading Thanksgiving Holiday Closure

Celebrate Diwali with AIS, HSO, and Interfaith on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 6:00 PM in the TCC Ballroom. The Association of Indian Students (AIS) welcomes you to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, representing the victory of good over evil and light over darkness in partnership with HSO and Interfaith. Enjoy a fun-filled evening…Continue Reading Celebrate Diwali with AIS, HSO, and Interfaith!

Why do people wear costumes? What is trick-or-treat? What’s up with the freaky pumpkins? Many international students may feel confused with Halloween traditions, even though they’re excited to celebrate their first Halloween in the U.S. To understand the idea behind this holiday and feel more comfortable at Halloween parties, let’s dive into the history of…Continue Reading Knock, Knock, Knock – Halloween Is Here!

You’ve probably seen carved pumpkins, fake skeletons, spider webs, ghosts, and scary decorations on campus and around Los Angeles since the beginning of October. Welcome to the Halloween season! Many international students are experiencing their first Halloween in the United States this year. While it may feel weird and spooky, we’re here to tell you…Continue Reading Boo! It’s Halloween Season

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 May 12, 2023, federal regulations reverted to pre-pandemic requirements for maintaining immigration status as an F-1 or J-1 student.   What does this mean for international students?  Minimum unit requirements by degree level:  Online Course Load Limitations:  Exceptions:  How are hybrid courses (that are both online and in-person) defined at USC?  What does this mean…Continue Reading Student and Exchange Visitor Program Ends COVID-19 Exceptions for F-1/J-1 Students