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.
  • 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 funds. 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 & Degree Students at USC: 

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