OIS Processing Time: 4 business days
J-1 Immigration Status Verification (ISV)
All new (initial and transfer) J-1 Exchange Visitors are required to submit copies of their immigration documents to USC Office of International Services using the Trojan International within 15 days after their arrival to the U.S. ISV is a procedure that verifies one’s immigration status to ensure that they are eligible to start an academic program/appointment at USC. Once all documentation is submitted, OIS will validate the SEVIS record. Failure to complete ISV may result in a loss of J-1 visa status. New international students/scholars who are currently outside the U.S. must wait until they arrive in the U.S. to complete ISV.
STEP 1. Activate your USC NetID
STEP 2. Watch the New J-1 Scholar Orientation video
STEP 3. Follow the ISV instructions to login Trojan International to submit your ISV.
Special Note for Dependents: J-2 dependents do NOT need to report their arrival through the ISV process.
Note about Local Contact Info: The New Student/Scholar Information Form requires a local U.S. address and phone number which is used to validate the SEVIS record. Exchange Visitors with temporary accommodations (hotel or friend’s house) may use the temporary address for the purposes of the ISV submission. However, following the J-1 ISV, Exchange Visitors can update their residence address and U.S. phone number by e-mailing: j1scholar@usc.edu Immigration regulations require scholars to update their address in SEVIS within 10 days of moving.
Exchange Visitors are encouraged to keep copies of all documentation submitted to their sponsoring department in case the originals are lost or damaged. Dependents are also encouraged to keep copies of their documentation.
SPECIAL NOTE FOR CHLA Exchange Visitors: J-1 scholars at CHLA are ineligible for a USC NetID to access the ISV portal. Only J-1 scholars from CHLA scholars are permitted to submit the New International Student/Scholar Information Form by emailing j1scholar@usc.edu.
Delayed Arrivals & Cancellations (Reporting Responsibilities)
Please visit the Delayed Arrivals section of our website for more information pertaining to late arrivals and cancellations.