Funding for J-1 Exchange Visitors

J-1 Exchange Visitors may receive funding from multiple sources, including USC, the visitor’s home government, the visitor’s home university, personal sources, and outside organizations.

Note: J-1 scholars are allowed to be USC employees, but cannot be in tenure-track positions, as this runs counter to their non-immigrant visa status.

Minimum Funding Requirements for J-1 Scholars:

  • J-1 Scholar Living Expenses: $24,000/year ($2,000/month)
  • J-2 Dependent Spouse: $14,244 for your spouse ($1,187/month)
  • J-2 Dependent Child: (under 21) $7,128/year per child ($594/month per child)

Minimum Funding Requirements for J-1 Non-Degree Students (NDS):

  • J-1 Non-Degree Student Tuition & Living Expenses $24,000/year ($2,000/month) + value of tuition & fees
  • Value of tuition & fees: If you are a NDS student, please inquire with the department administrator from the USC sponsoring academic department.
  • J-2 Dependent Spouse: $14,244 for your spouse ($1187/month)
  • J-2 Dependent Child: (under 21) $7,128/year per child ($594/month per child)

Minimum Funding Requirements for J-1 Degree Students:

  • J-1 Degree Student Tuition & Living Expenses: If you are a degree student, please reference the yearly figures for Tuition & Living Expenses by degree level. Important note: If you are requesting a program extension for one semester, please divide the yearly total by two.
  • J-2 Dependent Spouse: $14,244 for your spouse ($1187/month)
  • J-2 Dependent Child: (under 21) $7,128/year per child ($594/month per child)

What to submit for Proof of Funding Requirement

  • If paid by USC: Invitation letter from USC
  • If funded by outside organization or your home government: Letter which outlines funding amount and the duration of funding.
  • If self-funded: Bank statement* or letter from the bank in the visitor’s name. Please provide your bank with this sample letter.
  • Combination of Different Financial Sources: This minimum total funding amount may be met through a combination of funding sources indicated above.

Guidelines regarding bank statements & proof of funding letters

  • If bank statement is not in English, provide a translation.
  • Funding should be in U.S. dollars. If not, please attach a currency conversion print out.
  • Must be readily available liquid funds (no penalty for withdrawals). Bank statement must show total balance of checking or savings account. (No investments, stocks, mutual funds, fixed deposits, certificate of deposits, non-USC income letters, etc.)
  • Must be no older than 3 months from date submitted.
  • On-line bank statements must indicate the account holder and identify the type of account.
  • Letter from Bank must be printed on bank stationary and signed.
  • Non-USC income letters are not accepted.

Note for J-1 Degree & Non-Degree Students at USC:

  • Over 51% of funding must come from a source other than personal funding for Degree & Non-Degree Students
  • Exception: The 51% rule is waived for direct exchange students (MOU with their university)