Please click on the links below for important information regarding your student visa and travel requirements.
Understanding F and J Visas
In order for international students to study at USC, they need to have a valid non-immigrant visa status. Most international students admitted to USC obtain F-1 or J-1 visas. More information about the F and J visas is available on this page.
Student Visa Application Process
This section provides detailed instructions on the student visa application process.
Transfer Students
F-1 students who are currently in the US and are transferring their SEVIS records from their previous school to USC must review the information provided on this page.
Planning for Departure
Before departing for the US, it is important for students to inform all concerned parties of arrival plans and update them regularly. Continue on to the next page for some helpful pre-departure tips.
Following U.S. Laws and Immigration Requirements
While international students are in the United States, they are subject to all federal, state, and local laws that govern U.S. citizens. They are also subject to immigration laws, which define and limit their activities as nonimmigrants. Failure to comply with immigration laws can jeopardize an individual’s immigration status and render them ineligible for visas and inadmissible to the United States.