DS-2019 Requests for Non-Degree Students

To be eligible to receive a DS-2019, a non-degree student should meet the following criteria:

• The student must be enrolled in a full-time course of study in a non-degree academic program with a specific educational objective. Full-time enrollment is required. 
  • Undergraduate: 12 units
  • Master’s: 8 units
  • Doctorate: 6 units
• All degree levels are eligible.
• The program’s duration must last between one semester and two years.
• Over 51% of funding must come from sources other than personal funding. This rule is waived for direct exchange students with a Memorandum of Understanding from a foreign university.
• Non-degree students may be given post-completion Academic Training for a period no longer than the time spent in the academic program. The periods of the academic program and Academic Training may not exceed the 24-month maximum.
• The student must not be subject to the 24-Month Bar.

OIS must receive a DS-2019 request by the following dates, depending on which semester the student will start.

Initial DS-2019 Request Deadlines

Transfer DS-2019 Request Deadlines

OIS must receive the DS-2019 request at least two months prior to the application start date. This timeline allows sufficient processing time across all stages: obtaining NetID, USC ID and ISD number (two to three weeks), OIS review (two to three weeks), U.S. embassy processing (three to five weeks) and the student’s relocation to Los Angeles.

The maximum duration allotted for an initial or transfer DS-2019 application is two years. 

Initial DS-2019 Request Timeline

For initial DS-2019 requests, the timeline for each step of the process is as follows:

• • Three to four months before the application start date: 
    • Department administrator follows instructions to access Trojan International, USC’s immigration services portal.
    • Department administrator follows steps 2 and 3 to obtain NetID, 10-digit USC ID and ISD number required for DS-2019 submission. 

• Two to four months before the application start date:

• • • Department administrator initiates the DS-2019 request.
    • Applicant completes their section of the form.
    • Host faculty complete their section of the form.
    • Department chair/center director completes their section of the form.
    • Department administrator reviews, edits, and submits the request to OIS. The processing window begins on the business day following final submission to OIS.
    • Department administrator and the applicant receive a confirmation email from OIS.

• Within 10 business days of request submission:

• • If the request is incomplete, OIS emails feedback to the department administrator and the applicant. Incomplete applications with missing items can take up to one month to process.
  • If the request is complete, OIS emails the initial DS-2019 to the applicant and the department administrator.

Transfer DS-2019 Request Timeline

For transfer DS-2019 requests, the timeline for each step of the process is as follows:

• Two to four months before the application start date:

• • • Department administrator follows instructions to access Trojan International, USC’s immigration services portal.
    • Department administrator follows steps 2 and 3 to obtain NetID, 10-digit USC ID and ISD number required for DS-2019 submission.

• One month prior to the application start date:

• • • Department administrator initiates the DS-2019 request.
    • Applicant completes their section of the form.
    • Host faculty complete their section of the form.
    • Department chair/center director completes their section of the form.
    • Department administrator reviews, edits and submits the request to OIS. The processing window begins on the business day following final submission to OIS.
    • Department administrator and the applicant receive a confirmation email from OIS.

• Within 10 business days of request submission:

• • If the request is incomplete, OIS emails feedback to the department administrator and the applicant. Incomplete applications with missing items can take up to one month.
  • If the request is complete, OIS emails the initial DS-2019 to the applicant and department administrator.

DS-2019 requests are submitted through Trojan International, USC’s immigration services portal. For step-by-step guidelines for submitting applications via Trojan International, please review the Trojan International Training for USC Department Administrators.

Step 1: Request Departmental Authorization Access for Trojan International

The processing time for this step is two business days.

Before submitting a request, each department administrator using Trojan International must obtain individual departmental authorization access. Once granted access, you will be notified via email within two business days. Access to Trojan International is granted only once per departmental user.

If you are an ISI/ICT department administrator, please select UPC as your campus; do not select the “off-campus” option.

Step 2: Obtain USC NetID and 10-Digit USC ID Number for Non-Degree Student

To obtain a USC NetID and 10-digit USC ID number for a J-1 non-degree student, please contact j1student@usc.edu for further assistance.

Step 3: Submit the $250 Application Fee for Internal Service Delivery (ISD)

Before completing the steps to submit a DS-2019 request, the department administrator must pay the $250 Internal Service Delivery (ISD) fee through Workday. Individual ISD numbers are required for each applicant, as Trojan International does not offer group processing.

When submitting the ISD, include the Internal Service Provider (ISP) name for OIS: ISP-SP-059 – Office of International Services. Additionally, indicate the exchange visitor’s name and request type (Initial NDS or Transfer NDS) in the ISD memo.

Learn more about ISD best practices through Workday. For specific guidance on ISD protocols, please review the Internal Service Delivery Overview page on the USC Workday Finance System website.

Step 4: Grant Exchange Visitor Access to Trojan International

Once departmental services access is granted, the department administrator should log in to Trojan International, select “Add New Person” and input the applicant’s USC NetID and 10-digit ID number.

Please provide the following information in the respective fields:

• Last Name: This must match the surname on the applicant’s passport.
• First Name: This must match the first name on the applicant’s passport.
• Middle Name: Only fill this field if a middle name is indicated on the applicant’s passport.
• Date of Birth: The date of birth must match the one on the applicant’s passport. Confirm the date of birth with the applicant, as many countries reverse the month and day order. 
• Gender: The gender must match the one indicated on the applicant’s passport.
• Email Address: Enter the applicant’s personal email address.
• Campus: Enter the campus.
• Requested Immigration Status: Enter “J-1.”
• Do you have an institutional university ID for this new profile? Select “yes.”
• University ID Number: Enter the 10-digit USC ID.
• Do you have a network for this new profile? Select “yes.”
• Network ID: After the NetID, include @usc.edu.

Failure to enter the correct information will result in the applicant not having access to Trojan International. If the applicant is missing a first or last name on their passport, contact OIS for guidance.

Step 5: Complete the Application

Next, the department administrator should submit the DS-2019 Request.

The following documents are required as part of the DS-2019 Request:

• Copy of passport(s) for exchange visitor and dependent(s)
• Copy of signed invitation letter on USC letterhead, including the following elements. If the offer letter does not indicate the information listed above, please include a secondary letter:
  • J-1 category title (“non-degree student”).
  • Description (“enrolled in full-time study in field x”).
  • Start and end dates.
  • USC site of activity address. This is where the exchange visitor will report for the duration of their program. The complete address must be stated within the body of the letter.
  • Value of tuition and fees. Indicate whether the applicant will receive USC funding or funding through an MOU. If funding will be provided through an MOU, please also state the name of the exchange visitor’s home institution.
  • Copy of the signed MOU, if applicable.
  • USC host faculty/program director name.
  • Signature from the USC host faculty/program director.
• Proof of funding for exchange visitor and dependent(s)
• Proof of English language proficiency. J-1 non-degree students may meet English language proficiency requirements by submitting TOEFL or IELTS scores or by participating in an interview with the USC host faculty. OIS accepts the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, iBT Paper Edition and the standard in-person TOEFL iBT administered at official test centers. For TOEFL exams taken before Jan. 21, 2026, students must score at least 90 overall, with a minimum of 20 in each section. For exams taken on or after Jan. 21, 2026, students must score at least 4.5 overall, with a minimum of 4 in each section. For IELTS or IELTS Indicator exams, students must score at least 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6 on each band. OIS will continue to accept TOEFL or IELTS scores taken within 24 months of the DS-2019 request submission date. USC host faculty interviews must be conducted within six months of the DS-2019 request submission date.
• Copy of DS-2019 from the current institution for the exchange visitor and their dependents (transfers only).

Forms will unlock one at a time, in order, after the previous form is submitted.

Department administrators may check the case status in Trojan International. Be mindful of processing delays caused by pending approval signatures.

The exchange visitor and department administrator will be emailed an electronically signed Form DS-2019, also known as the “Certificate of Eligibility.” 

The exchange visitor must print the document and sign page 1. Exchange visitors are not permitted to electronically sign the DS-2019. 

OIS will include a handout called “Information for J-1 Students/Scholars” with the DS-2019.

The exchange visitor can reference the SEVIS ID number on the DS-2019 to schedule a visa appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate. The SEVIS ID number is located in the top-right corner of the DS-2019 and will start with N00.

Extension durations are based on the maximum participation period for the exchange visitor’s category. This includes time spent at previous institutions — for example, transfer students. Exchange visitors in the non-degree student category are allowed a maximum participation period of two years.

Exchange visitors who have applied for a 212(e) waiver to remove the J-1 bar are not eligible for an extension. Department administrators should inquire with the exchange visitor to determine if they are subject to the bar (see J-1 visa) and have applied for the 212(e) waiver.

OIS must receive the extension request at least one month prior to the DS-2019 end date. Please factor in extra time for the initial steps listed below, which must be completed before submitting the request. Extension requests may be submitted as early as one year before the DS-2019 end date.

OIS cannot extend the SEVIS record if the DS-2019 end date has already passed.

The simplified workflow for a DS-2019 extension request is as follows:

• One year to one month prior to DS-2019 end date:
  • Department administrator initiates the DS-2019 request.
  • Applicant completes their section and assigns host faculty for English language proficiency (if applicable).
  • Host faculty completes their section of the form.
  • Department chair or center director completes their section of the form.
  • Department administrator reviews, edits and submits the request to OIS. The processing window begins on the business day following final submission to OIS.
• Within 10 business days of request submission:
  • If the request is incomplete, OIS emails feedback to the department administrator and the applicant. Incomplete applications with missing items can take up to one month.
  • If the request is complete, OIS emails an extended DS-2019 to the applicant and department administrator.

DS-2019 extension requests are submitted through Trojan International, USC’s immigration services portal. For a step-by-step guide to submitting applications via Trojan International, please review the Trojan International Training for USC Department Administrators.

Step 1: Request Departmental Authorization Access for Trojan International

The processing time for this step is two business days.

Before submitting a request, each department administrator using Trojan International must obtain individual departmental authorization access. Once granted access, you will be notified via email within two business days. Access to Trojan International is granted only once per departmental user.

If you are an ISI/ICT department administrator, please select UPC as your campus; do not select the “off-campus” option.

Step 2: Submit the $150 Application Fee for Internal Service Delivery (ISD)

Before completing the steps to submit a DS-2019 Extension Request, the department administrator must pay the $150 Internal Service Delivery (ISD) fee through Workday. Individual ISD numbers are required for each applicant, as Trojan International does not offer group processing.

When submitting the ISD, include the Internal Service Provider (ISP) name for OIS: ISP-SP-059 – Office of International Services. Additionally, indicate the exchange visitor’s name and request type (Extension NDS) in the ISD memo.

Learn more about ISD best practices through Workday. For specific guidance on ISD protocols, please review the Internal Service Delivery Overview page on the USC Workday Finance System website.

Step 3: Submit the DS-2019 Extension Request

The department administrator should submit the DS-2019 Extension Request in Trojan International.

The following documents are required as part of the DS-2019 Extension Request:

• Updated USC invitation letter indicating the new end date and USC funding, if applicable.
• Proof of funding for exchange visitor and dependent(s).

After submitting the DS-2019 Extension Request, department administrators may check the case status in Trojan International. Be mindful of processing delays caused by pending approval signatures.

Forms will unlock one at a time, in order, after the previous form is submitted.

The exchange visitor and department administrator will be emailed an electronically signed Form DS-2019, also known as the “Certificate of Eligibility.” 

The exchange visitor must print the document and sign page 1. Exchange visitors are not permitted to electronically sign the DS-2019.

As a courtesy, all extended DS-2019s (including dependent DS-2019s) are endorsed for travel.