Contact OIS

Need an answer right away? Use our chatbot, Tommy, to find information on the OIS website faster (he’s in the lower right-hand corner of your screen!). Here are some tips for asking questions effectively.

OIS offers drop-in advising via Zoom video call during designated office hours each week. Simply choose a time that works best for you and join using the button below. Please join at least half an hour before office hours end.

J-1 advising is available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays only.

Our newsletter keeps F-1 and J-1 students up to date on important announcements, reminders and events.

Active J-1 scholars who have completed Immigration Status Verification and their department administrators will automatically receive a J-1 scholar newsletter periodically throughout the year.

If you experience issues at the port of entry, contact OIS via the askOIS contact form.

Students experiencing a true emergency at the U.S. Port of Entry can call the USC Department of Public Safety (DPS) at 213-740-6000 any time, day or night.

Students detained by U.S. immigration officials at an airport, seaport or land border port of entry may also call the USC Gould School of Law Immigration Clinic’s emergency hotline at 213-740-7435. Leave a detailed message including:

1. Name
2. Date of birth
3. Nationality
4. Current location
5. Airline and flight number
6. Phone number
7. Email address

A representative from the immigration clinic will provide guidance. 

The USC Gould School of Law Immigration Clinic only assists students detained by U.S. immigration officials. Please do not contact the immigration clinic for other OIS- or immigration-related matters.

For more instructions, please refer to our page on entering the United States.

USC Office of International Services

649 W. 34th St.

Royal Street Parking Structure, Suite 101

Los Angeles, CA 90089-1626