Category: News

As USC plans for a return to campus for the Fall 2021 semester with primarily in-person classes, the Office of International Services (OIS) would like to share some information to help international students determine their academic plan. Please read the rest of this message carefully, as it contains important information pertaining to international student enrollment…Continue Reading DHS Extends Existing Guidance for the 2021-2022 Academic Year

On May 14, the Department of Education issued a final rule stating that international students are now eligible to receive funding for emergency grants offered by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA or HEERF II), and the American Rescue Plan Act of…Continue Reading International Students with Financial Need Can Apply for COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Funds

  On April 29, 2021, the U.S. government issued a proclamation suspending entry into the U.S. of nonimmigrants who were physically present within the Republic of India during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the U.S. effective May 4, 2021. On April 30, 2021, the Department of State issued a National…Continue Reading National Interest Exceptions (NIE) for Students Traveling from India, China, Brazil, South Africa, Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Ireland

The U.S. government provided three rounds of Economic Impact Payments (stimulus checks) to all resident aliens and U.S. citizens in 2020 and 2021. If you received the stimulus check, you either appropriately qualified as a resident alien or you filed your taxes incorrectly and should have filed as a nonresident alien. Any individual qualified as…Continue Reading Did you receive a stimulus check from the U.S. government?

Effective April 12, 2021, F-1 students seeking post-completion OPT or STEM OPT Extension approval can file the Form I-765 online with USCIS. The online filing option allows F-1 students to apply for the post-completion OPT or STEM OPT Extension EAD, request a Social Security Number (SSN) (if needed), upload supporting application documents, pay the $410 filing…Continue Reading USCIS Now Accepts Online OPT and STEM OPT Extension Applications

Dear USC International Students and Scholars, The Office of International Services (OIS) stands in solidarity with the statement made by President Folt and wants to express in no uncertain terms that racism, violence, hatred, bigotry, and xenophobia will never be tolerated. OIS is here to support and uplift our Asian students and scholars, and we understand members…Continue Reading An Important Message from OIS

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is now open for Social Security Number (SSN) application appointments. Students who were unable to apply for their SSN last year should apply now. Below are some frequently asked questions about obtaining an SSN: I began my on-campus/CPT employment last year without an SSN. Should I apply for an SSN…Continue Reading Social Security Administration Now Open For SSN Application Appointments

The USC Department of Public Safety has received reports from students, many of whom are international students, who were deceived into giving money to impostors posing as law enforcement officials or representatives of agencies such as the Social Security Administration, IRS, U.S. Customs, Citizenship and Immigration Services and Department of Homeland Security. Some impostors or…Continue Reading Safety Advisory: Scams