USC Global Resources & Policies

The  Office of International Services (OIS)  is a resource center for international students and scholars, and provides guidance and information on the following:

  • F-1 Student Visas : visa application process, requirements for maintaining international student status, and travel and reentry requirements.
  • J-1 Scholar Visas : information for scholars and sponsoring departments on the process of bringing a J-1 exchange visitor to USC.
  • F-1 and J-1 Employment : information for F-1 and J-1 students to obtain the appropriate work authorization, including Optional Practical Training and Curricular Practical Training.

Faculty/Staff Visa Services (FSVS)  provides the specialized services required to facilitate the hiring of international faculty and staff, and a centralized resource for information regarding immigration and the hiring process.

INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS AND RESEARCH

  • The   International Collaborations and Export Controls Policy   contains guidelines applicable  to USC’s international  activities related to  research, instruction, healthcare, student programming, and other partnerships and affiliations abroad.  All USC faculty and staff should be familiar with these guidelines before participating in any international activities or travel.In developing these policies,  the University has carefully considered how best to protect academic values, offer flexibility in developing relationships across the world,  and meet important legal requirements, with the overarching goal of maximizing the University’s  impact across the globe.
  • The Office of the Vice President for Global and Online Initiatives provides guidelines for Creating International Partnerships .

INTERNATIONAL INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS

All engagements of individuals to perform work outside of the United States – including as independent contractors – must go through the Office of the Vice President for Global and Online Initiatives for review and approval. Guidelines for initiating review can be found here: International Independent Contractors .

STUDENT TRAVEL ABROAD

The  Student Travel Abroad — Destination Restrictions and Crisis Management Policy  outlines the responsibilities of students, faculty and staff engaged in the process of organizing and managing student travel abroad. USC tracks all student travel, except personal. Undergraduate and graduate students traveling outside the United States to perform any activity organized, sponsored, or related to USC in any way, must comply with USC’s policies and guidelines for sharing information and obtaining insurance and International SOS coverage prior to traveling.

Global Initiatives  oversees student travel abroad, collects and reports data on travel by students and coordinates with USC Schools,  Student Affairs ,  Student Health ,  Campus Support & Intervention ,  Risk Management , and other units for risk assessment and emergency response.

STUDY ABROAD EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM

For programs run by partner institutions, or USC-organized programs that do not include on-site participation by USC employees (i.e. internships), it is expected that a campus-based Response Team will be convened to coordinate the University’s response to an emergency abroad. Even in instances when USC staff/faculty are located on-site, the severity of a crisis involving one or more USC programs abroad may necessitate the formation of a campus-based Response Team.

The Campus Based Response to Overseas Crises can be found here.

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL BY FACULTY & STAFF

  • USC Travel Management  provides support for all aspects of university business, academic, and research-related travel. Travel booking is facilitated through the  Travel & Expense portal  or our contracted travel agencies, such as  Christopherson Business Travel .  Travel safety  is addressed via numerous channels such as our  duty of care  program,  emergency support ,  insurance , and  International SOS . Detailed information is available on the  Travel & Expense  section of the Business Services website.
  • The  USC Office of Compliance  offers important information on complying with international travel restrictions.

STUDENT, SCHOLAR AND FACULTY RESOURCES

The  USC Immigrant Legal Assistance Center (ILAC)  provides free, confidential consultations, legal assistance, and referrals to the following members of the USC Trojan Family, students, staff members, contract employees, faculty and family members, who may be at risk of deportation, who may be eligible to apply for immigration status, or who have questions about their legal status and legal rights under the immigration laws:

  • Individuals seeking to renew DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)
  • Individuals with TPS (or expired TPS) (Temporary Protected Status)
  • Undocumented individuals
  • Individuals who have been arrested by immigration authorities or who believe they are in danger of being arrested by immigration authorities
  • Individuals without permanent legal status who have a citizen or permanent resident spouse or other family member
  • Individuals without permanent legal status who have been a victim of a crime
  • Individuals with or without legal status who are considering domestic or international travel
  • Individuals seeking to naturalize and become US citizens
  • Other immigration issues or questions.
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International Student Guidelines

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While the Office of Graduate Admission is responsible for issuing I-20s/DS-2019s for incoming students, the Office of International Services (OIS) helps international students adjust to and fully participate in the USC campus community once they arrive at USC. Throughout the academic year, OIS provides:

• Counseling for personal, academic, and financial problems. • Immigration advisement. • Social and cultural exchange programs. • Advisement for student clubs. • Information about employment authorization for international students. • English classes for the spouses of international students and visiting scholars.

For more information about entering the United States, transportation to and from campus, and enrollment, please visit the Arriving in the United States  section of the Office of International Services website.

More information (213) 740-2666 ois.usc.edu [email protected]

7/28: Fall 2020 Travel Guidance for International Students Currently Outside the US

On July 25, OIS wrote to students about the  updated SEVP guidance issued for the Fall 2020 semester  and what it means for new and continuing international students. Understandably, students currently outside of the U.S. still have many questions about how this guidance impacts travel to the U.S. for the Fall 2020 semester.

New Students:

The SEVP guidance does not permit new students who are currently outside of the U.S., to enter the U.S. to begin the fall 2020 semester if classes are 100% online. As of today, it is not yet known to what extent the State of California and Los Angeles County Department of Public Health will grant approval for in-person instruction for the Fall 2020 semester. Therefore, USC cannot guarantee the availability of in-person classes during the Fall 2020 semester. For these reasons, new students should not attempt to travel to the U.S. for the Fall 2020 semester.

Continuing Students Returning from a Leave of Absence or Traveling to Reinstate Status:

The SEVP guidance does not permit continuing students with an initial attendance I-20 who are currently outside of the U.S., to enter the U.S. to resume their studies in  the fall 2020 semester if classes are 100% online. These students should not attempt to travel to the U.S. for the Fall 2020 semester.

Continuing Students with an Active SEVIS Record:

Continuing students currently outside the U.S. with an active SEVIS record remain eligible to return to the U.S. during the Fall 2020 semester. However, due to public health concerns, the University does not recommend students travel back to campus at this time. The University encourages students who are currently abroad to make progress toward their degree through fully online coursework from their home country and work with their academic advisor to find suitable online enrollment options.

If continuing students with an active SEVIS record still decide to travel, they must be in possession of a valid F-1 visa, an I-20 endorsed for travel, and all other  travel documentation listed on the OIS website . Continuing students remain eligible to apply for a visa renewal if their current visa has lapsed. However, issuance is at the discretion of your local U.S. embassy or consulate. Travel disruptions are common, and new restrictions could be imposed without notice at any time.

Upcoming Webinars:

OIS invites students to join our live webinars this week. A question and answer session will take place at the end of each webinar.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) Tuesday, July 28 at 3:00 PM (PST)

Travel and Visas Thursday, July 30 at 8:00 AM (PST)

Reduced Course Load (RCL) and Leave of Absence (LOA) Thursday, July 30 at 8:00 PM (PST)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Friday, July 31 at 10:00 AM (PST)

STEM Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT) Friday, July 31 at 11:00 AM (PST)

Zoom links and more information about each webinar can be found on the  OIS Events Calendar .

Be well and be safe, Office of International Services

Additional resources: USC COVID-19 Resource Center  USC COVID-19 International Student FAQ

What are you looking for?

Suggested search, travel documents.

If you do not have a passport or a current passport that is valid through 6 months after the end of your program, you should apply for a new passport immediately.

Information on applying for a passport can be found at:  http://travel.state.gov/passport

You should usually allow 4-6 weeks for the delivery of a passport. Students can sometimes wait for months because of a back-log. Don’t take any chances. Apply early. You will need all of the following when turning in your passport application:

  • An official copy of your birth certificate OR expired passport, OR a certified copy of your naturalization or citizenship papers. If you do not have a birth certificate with the official seal, write to the County Clerk in your county of birth to obtain one.
  • A photo ID with signature; examples include a driver’s license, California ID, or Military ID.
  • Two identical passport photos, front view, 2” x 2” square, with a white background.
  • $145 processing fee for new applications and $110.00 for renewal. Add $60.00 to expedite the service. Payment must be made by personal check, cashier’s check or by money order.

A visa is an official permission granted by the authorities of the country where you will study or travel that allows you to enter and remain in the country for a certain amount of time. A visa is usually in the form of a stamp or sticker placed in your passport. Some countries (e.g. Australia) now issue electronic visas for which nothing is placed in your passport; instead, the authorization to enter the country is linked to your passport number.

If your host country does not require a visa, you will need special documentation to be there as a student. You may not stay in your host country as a tourist (except for Cortona students). Consult your host country’s embassy and/or consular website.

A student visa is required to enter many of the countries in which USC sponsors study abroad programs. Visa requirements for US citizens may vary from those for citizens of other countries.

The documentation and fees required to obtain a visa vary greatly from country to country, and even between different consulates of the same country. Some countries will require a signed medical form or letter from a physician or certain immunizations. Some require an HIV test, tax return, or criminal background checks.

For some countries you need to apply as far as 3 months in advance. Most consulates will keep your passport while they are processing your visa application. This may force you to alter pre-program overseas travel plans.

Please note that for some visas you need to apply in person at the nearest consulate in the US. Most programs will inform you directly if you need a visa to enter your host country.

You will also be advised on the visa process by your program provider and your study abroad advisor.

It is ultimately the student’s responsibility to obtain the visa.

Visas for Non-US Citizens

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you should consult the nearest consulate of the country of your citizenship and the nearest consulate of the country where you plan to study. The procedures you will follow are different from those for U.S. citizens. It is important to initiate this process as soon as possible in order to assemble the documents and allow time for lengthy procedures.  You should also consult with an  OIS  adviser before leaving USC.

Non-U.S. citizens should also check to see if a transit visa is required for the countries they pass through on the way to their ultimate destination, and whether they need a visa to travel to other countries during the semester.

Re-Entry to the U.S.

U.S. permanent residents must check with the U.S. Immigration Service concerning regulations for re-entry into the U.S. It is particularly important to verify procedures for those who contemplate being outside of the U.S. for more than one year or are in the process of applying for citizenship.

International students must see an advisor at the  Office of International Services (OIS)  to obtain important information regarding regulations and documentation to leave and re-enter the United States.

DACA-eligible students should consult with their study abroad advisor.

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Admission & Student Engagement Current Undergraduate Students

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EXCHANGE PROGRAM PRE-ARRIVAL INFORMATION

Your checklist prior to arrival, there are several items you must take action on before and immediately after entering the u.s. please carefully read the information on this page to learn about the j-1 visa process, orientation and check-in, and insurance and immunization requirements., an admission packet will be mailed to you after you have been admitted into the viterbi international exchange program. in this packet, you will find:.

Your J-1 visa documents (DS-2019)

Your acceptance letter

Your SEVIS number

Where and how to pay the SEVIS fee

Additional information about making interview appointments

Your J-1 visa will be good for the length of the program of study. You are able to enter the U.S. 30 days prior to the start date of the visa and stay in the U.S. up to 30 days after the end date of the visa. This allow you to arrive in the U.S. prior to as well as remain after the program ends to travel. If you arrive before the 30 day grace period, you will only be able to enter the U.S. as a tourist.

If you enter the U.S. as a tourist, you MUST leave, and then re-enter to validate your visa, before you can attend classes. Please arrive within the specified period, unless you plan on leaving and returning before the program begins.

Orientation & Check-in

All incoming international exchange students must be checked-in by the usc office of international students (ois). this is the law, not only a usc rule. if you are not properly checked-in, you are flagged in the immigration system and government officials will come looking for you, you will need to set up a check in appointment with the usc ois before the semester begins., the exchange program coordinator will also hold a mandatory orientation the friday before classes begin. .

Please bring the below to your OIS Check In:

New Student/Scholar Information Form

Copy of your Visa (Inside Passport)

Copy of your DS-2019 “Certificate of Eligibility” (page 1 only) (Remember to sign the bottom of your DS-2019 in blue ink)

I-94 Admission Stamp (Inside Passport –“J1 D/S”) 

Insurance & Immunizations

Usc requires that all international students either have proof of u.s.-based health insurance or enroll in the usc student health insurance plan. enrollment in the usc plan is automatic (you do not need to do anything). in addition, all usc students, even those with non-usc health insurance, are required to pay a health center fee for the semester..

If you do not want the USC health insurance plan and are going to find U.S.-based health insurance on your own, please be sure that it is with a company that has offices in the U.S. Foreign carriers/insurers are NOT sufficient as most insurance companies will not pay for services outside of the home county or will only reimburse you upon your return. Non-USC health insurance plans MUST meet the requirements outlined on the USC Health Center website.

USC’s student health insurance plan does not cover dental work and eye care. Make sure that you have a thorough dental check-up and complete treatment of emerging problems prior to arrival at USC. Dental insurance is optional and you may purchase it when you arrive. If you wear glasses, it’s advisable to pack a spare pair.

If you do not want the USC health insurance plan and are going to find U.S.-based health insurance on your own, please be sure that it is with a company that has offices in the U.S. Foreign carriers/insurers are NOT sufficient as most insurance companies will not pay for services outside of the home county or will only reimburse you upon your return. Non-USC health insurance plans MUST meet the requirements outlined on the  USC Health Center website .

The USC Student Health Center has two mandatory requirements for new, foreign students:

  • Measles and Mumps Immunity Requirement: TWO doses of MMR vaccine or proof of Measles and Mumps immunity prior to their first semester of enrollment at USC.
  • Tuberculosis Skin Test Requirement: All international students are required to be screened for tuberculosis in the U.S. or Canada within 6 months prior to their first semester of enrollment at USC.

Visit the USC Student Health Center website for detailed information on what tests or documents suffice as adequate proof. Failure to provide proof will result in a financial penalty being assessed against your account.

Published on August 22nd, 2016

Last updated on December 15th, 2022

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Academic Resources

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Travel Guidance

COVID-19 Vaccinations and Boosters

For all students, faculty, and staff traveling on USC-sponsored programs, it is strongly recommended that you are up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations, especially if traveling internationally.

STUDENT TRAVEL

For all non-personal student travel, students should follow the guidelines on the  USC Global site “For Students” .

Study Abroad Programs

Students should consult with their USC home school or department study abroad advisor to learn about program availability –  https://global.usc.edu/student-travel-abroad/departments-offering-travel-abroad/

FACULTY AND STAFF TRAVEL ON UNIVERSITY BUSINESS

Travel to DOS/CDC Level-4 Countries

  • Travelers are recommended to be  up to date on vaccination
  • Traveler prepares a plan that indicates itinerary, justification for travel, compliance with all relevant COVID-19 guidelines, and emergency response plan 
  • If travel is to a  Level-4 pre-approved country , the travel plan is reviewed and approved by the respective School Dean or designated divisional approver
  • If travel is to a Level-4 country not in the  pre-approved list , the respective School Dean or designated divisional approver submits it to the  Travel Review Panel  for final review and approval
  • Travelers must sign the  Travel Acknowledgment/Waiver Form

All other international travel

  • Travelers must comply with all relevant COVID-19 guidelines; destination country, return country, USC, etc.
  • Travelers to register for  USC Duty of Care
  • Further information and details are located at  USC Business Services Travel and expense website   
  • The  list of pre-approved Level 4 countries  can change at any time
  • Phase 5 plans contain a step-back contingency. In the event that restrictions be reinstated, travel guidelines will have to adjust accordingly

2021/2022 Travel Considerations

Updated 12/12/2021

Winter Recess International Travel Information

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International Graduate Student Services

The Viterbi Admission and Student Engagement (VASE) Office works closely with the Office of International Services (OIS) to assist our international students during their time at USC. 

As an international student you will need signatures for various OIS processes include Reduced Course Load (RCL), Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), Program Extensions (PE) and Leave of Absence (LOA). VASE advisors are available to assist you with these processes and serve as the academic verifiers. The department/academic advisors are not authorized to sign these forms for international Viterbi graduate students.

Reduced Course Load (RCL)

Curricular practical training (cpt), optional practical training (opt), program extension (pe).

  • Leave of Absence (LOA) 
  • USC Student Resources 
  • Review RCL Information
  • RCL Categories
  • RCL Policies
  • Request RCL Approval

International students must be registered for a full course of study during fall and spring semesters. Registration is not required in Summer semesters, unless it is the student’s first or last semester. International students who plan to be enrolled for less than full-time must submit the Reduced Course Load form.

Review the "Request RCL Approval" tab to submit your request.

Resources to understand RCL Policy:

  • Exceptions to the Full-Time Enrollment
  • Study in the States: Reduced Course Load Definition

If you are a PhD Student:

There are three exceptions to the full-time enrollment requirement (8 units or more). Each exception or reduced course load has its own criteria. Before requesting an RCL, review the exceptions and the criteria.

Final Semester (FS) RCL OIS may authorize a final semester RCL for students who are in their final semester of study and only have a few units remaining to meet academic program requirements. FS RCL needs to be requested it is not automatic.

Students who are in their final semester and are taking less than a full course load must submit a   SEVIS Final Semester Check eForm   through Trojan International.

Please note, our office does not process Final Semester RCL.

Medical RCL OIS may authorize a medical RCL due to a temporary health (physical or mental) condition(s) with an appropriate doctor’s letter recommending the RCL for medical reasons.

Academic Difficulty (AD) RCL

  • Student's who request an academic difficulty reduced course load (AD RCL) will enroll part-time (4 units or more). AD RCL can only be used only once per degree level in the first semester. An approved AD RCL request will make you ineligible for CPT in that semester.
  • Initial difficulty with reading requirements
  • Initial Difficulty with the English Language
  • Unfamiliarity with U.S. teaching methods
  • Improper course level placement
  • If you have an RCL approved, do not drop any classes unless you have spoken with an academic advisor.
  • F-1/J-1 students should not drop below full-time enrollment after the third week until they have received authorization from OIS. Students who drop below full-time enrollment without the proper authorization will be considered out of status.
  • The deadline to submit an RCL to VASE is the last day to add/drop a course.

Applying for an RCL

  • Verify that you have registered for the number of units you are requesting.
  •  Submit your RCL form .

RCL Processing Time

  • FS RCL requests are delayed if your STARS report is not updated.
  • ALL FS and AD RCL requests are delayed if you are not enrolled in RCL requested units.
  • RCL are processed within 3 business days. Please allow 3 business days to receive notification before following up with the VASE office.
  • During RCL peak times our processing time may be delayed. Peak times are considered the first three weeks of the semester.
  • Review CPT Information
  • Request CPT

CPT is a type of work authorization for eligible F-1 international students to participate in paid off-campus internships before graduation. However, it should not prevent the student from making reasonable progress towards the degree. The Office of International Services (OIS) provides additional on their website that all graduate students should also be aware of.

  • OIS CPT Information 
  • OIS CPT Info Session
  • Review OPT Information
  • Prepare to Apply for OPT
  • Request Graduation Verification Signature

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is designed for students with F-1 visa status. It is designed to provide students with the opportunity to gain actual employment experiences in their field of study for 12 months. OPT is approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Viterbi Admissions and Student Engagement (VASE) is responsible for completing the Graduation Verification section on the OPT I-20 Request form.

Before you begin the OPT process, you must understand the OPT policies. You can join a live OPT information session hosted by the Office of International Students (OIS) or review a pre-recorded presentation.

  • OIS OPT Instructions (PDF)
  • OIS Optional Training (OPT) Information Session

The OPT form will be available on February 5 th on MyViterbi. 

Before requesting the OPT Graduation Verification Form (GVF) Signature ensure that you have applied for graduation, and reviewed your STARS report on OASIS. This will ensure that there is not a delay with your request.

Please follow the steps below: 

Masters Students

  • Complete an “Application for Graduation” at MyViterbi .
  • Once your application has been processed, check your STARS report on OASIS to ensure all requirements for your degree have been met, and contact your graduate advisor if there are any discrepancies.

Ph.D. Students

  • Review the OIS OPT Instructions  

After you have completed these steps, please prepare to submit your Graduation Verification Form in MyViterbi . 

Master's Students:

  • Submit your ‘Application to Graduate’ 
  • Check your STARS report
  • Submit your application in myViterbi> Optional Practical Training Graduation Verification Form Request .
  • VASE will verify your academic eligibility for OPT through this form . 

  PhD Students:

Fill out the  OPT Graduation Verification form   on  MyViterbi.  Your academic advisor and VASE Graduate Academic Services advisor will review and process your request.

VASE REMINDERS: 

You can review your status of the form by logging into the MyViterbi   Optional Practical Training Graduation Verification Form Request .

  •   Once your form is signed you can download the form on the   Optional Practical Training Graduation Verification Form Request .
  •   You will then upload the signed OPT Graduation Verification request to the  OIS   OPT I-20 Request System .
  • Once the form is submitted to OIS, please contact OIS for any status updates
  • Please allow 3-4 business days for processing.
  • Review PE Information
  • PE Eligibility
  • Request a Program Extension

International students are given a specific period of time to complete the academic program requirements. Students who are unable to meet the academic program requirements by that date, a program extension form must be submitted to OIS before the expiration date. Before you apply, review OIS policies and eligibility for program extension.

  • OIS PE Information

Important Dates and Reminders

  • A program extension must be filed at least 3 weeks BEFORE the I-20 expiration date.
  • OIS processing time for program extension is 2 weeks.
  • VGASP will begin reviewing Program Extension requests after the add/drop date.

Before requesting a PE meet with the graduate advisor in your major department to determine what remaining requirements need to be met and for in-depth academic advisement.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • The expiration date of the I-20/DS-2019 has not yet passed
  • Continuously maintained the F-1/J-1 student status
  • Must have sufficient funds to cover the additional time needed to complete program requirements, which includes tuition and living expenses of $1000 per month
  • Medical reasons (must have required medical documentation signed by MD, DO, or licensed clinical psychologist)
  • Change of major
  • Change in a research topic
  • Unexpected research problems
  • Other compelling academic reasons- academic advisor must specify in detail.

If none of these reasons apply, please   contact the Office of International Services   to consult with an advisor.

  • Program extensions may affect future   CPT eligibility . Please consult with an advisor at OIS.
  • PhD students applying for a third program extension must submit a letter from their advisors confirming academic progress and time to graduation along with proof of funding.

Once you have reviewed PE information and eligibility and you are ready to apply follow the steps below:

  • NOTE:  PhD students applying for a third program extension must submit a letter from their advisors confirming academic progress and time to graduation along with proof of funding.
  • We limit students to one Program Extension request. Please do not submit multiple requests as this will delay process timeline.
  • Receive the signed Program Extension form  from VASE.
  • Submit Signed Program Extension form along with the proof of funding to OIS at least 3 weeks before the expiration date of the I-20.

Leave of Absence (LOA)

  • Review LOA Information
  • Request a LOA
  • Return from LOA Request
  • View My LOA

A leave of absence (LOA) is a temporary break from your academic degree program with no enrollment in courses. International students who are considering taking a LOA or a Medical LOA  should met with a VASE advisor to discuss implications to their academic program. Before meeting with a VASE advisor, review OIS policies and eligibility requirements.

  • OIS LOA Information
  • OIS LOA Zoom Live Session

Before requesting a LOA signature from VASE meet with your academic advisor to discuss the impact to your academic plan.

  • Review OIS LOA information
  • Complete OIS LOA Form (enter advisors information: VASE Advisors, [email protected])
  • Schedule an appointment with a VASE advisor to discuss the LOA process if this is your first time taking LOA.
  • Once VASE has signed the form, OIS will automatically receive your form and process it within 7 business days (M-F).
  • You will receive an email from OIS confirming your LOA has been processed.

If you are returning from a LOA, review the appropriate LOA Section and submit your request.

  • Regaining F-1 Status after a LOA (More than Five Months)
  • Regaining F-1 Status after a LOA (Less than Five Months)

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Published on February 26th, 2021

Last updated on March 1st, 2024

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Office of Admission I-20 Processing

Last updated 2/5/2024

Trojan International Login

Admitted students who have committed to attend USC for Fall 2024 or Summer 2024 may submit their I-20 request in Trojan International at that time. Please log in with your USC NetID and click the Admission menu to proceed. ( If you have just obtained your NetID, please wait one more day before attempting to log in ) We also recommend reading the Trojan International Checklist beforehand for guidelines on how to prepare your passport and financial documents for upload. You must still submit a new I-20 request in Trojan International if your admission is moved to a different term (i.e. Spring to Summer).

Beginning the I-20 Process

Basic requirements :.

  • a) A copy of the biographical section of a valid passport.
  • b) Proof of funding demonstrating the ability to pay for estimated education and living expenses in the U.S. including for dependents if applicable.
  • c) If dependent I-20s are needed for spouse/children, passports will also be required. In addition, a copy of a marriage certificate will be required for a spouse and a birth certificate will be required for each child. Dependent I-20s will not be issued any later than 30 days prior to the start of the academic program.

If you already have a non-immigrant/non-F1 visa (H-1B, H4, L2, etc.) that permits study in the U.S. and you plan on remaining on that visa at USC, do not request an I-20. It will be your responsibility to maintain your immigration status. Note: You cannot study in the U.S. on a B visitor/tourist visa.

The USC Electronic I-20/DS-2019

Print the i-20, your initial i-20, if you require a transfer i-20, renewing your f-1 visa, arriving in the us (updated 9/26/2023).

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Office of International Services

Travel guidance.

This page is intended to provide travel resources and guidance to individuals who are currently in active status at UIC and planning to travel during their programs. If you are entering the U.S. for the first time to begin your UIC program or employment, please reference Arriving to the U.S. for information and resources.

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We encourage our entire international community to contact OIS prior to traveling internationally. Travel guidance and requirements vary depending on your status and you may need to request authorization from OIS prior to your departure if you intend to return to the U.S. to continue your current status/program.

When booking any type of travel arrangements, either domestic or international, ensure you book your airline ticket with the exact same spelling of your name as it appears in your passport (Machine Readable Zone – MRZ).

  • Read latest travel news and immigration updates

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U.S. Domestic travel includes travel to the contiguous U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, Marianas, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.)

We recommend you use your passport for photo ID and carry paper copies of your U.S. immigration documents (e.g. Form I-20, Form DS-2019, Form I-797 approval notice, Form I-94.)

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International travel includes travel to/from non-U.S. destinations. Information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and may change without notice. Please check with OIS or the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of State for the most current travel information. For the most accurate information regarding entry procedures to the U.S., please see the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol website .

Recommended international travel documents by status

Depending on your status, you will need specific paperwork to re-enter the U.S. when traveling internationally. While documents marked with an asterisk (*) are not required for entry, we strongly recommend that you carry them in your hand luggage so that you can provide them as needed.

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If you find that you need to replace or update an immigration document, please see Document Replacement .

Current F-1 Students

  • Passport – Valid for six months beyond the date of re-entry to the U.S.
  • F-1 visa – Valid on the date of re-entry to the U.S. Canadian citizens do not need an F-1 visa in their passport but Canadian “Landed immigrants” (Permanent Residents, without Canadian citizenship/passport) do. In certain cases, you may be able to re-enter the U.S. after a short trip to Canada or Mexico using AVR. See Automatic Visa Revalidation below.
  • Form I-20 with valid travel signature – Original, hardcopy document signed by you and OIS in blue ink. OIS recommends that the travel authorization signature be no more than one year old on your date of re-entry to the U.S. If you need to update your travel authorization signature, log into myOIS and submit the appropriate e-form.
  • SEVIS (I-901) fee payment* – It is recommended that you carry proof that you have paid the SEVIS I-901 fee. If needed, print your SEVIS fee receipt .
  • Proof of enrollment* – It is recommended that you carry evidence of current full-time enrollment or future enrollment if you are traveling between academic terms. You can print a copy of your class schedule from the MyUIC portal .
  • Evidence of financial support* – It is recommended that you carry copies of your financial support documents. Documents should reflect the funding sources on your DS-2019 and be dated within the past six months.

If you attempt to enter the U.S. without the appropriate documentation, you may receive a Form I-515A from the customs officer and you will have 30 days to correct your status or risk falling out of status. Contact OIS as soon as possible if you receive Form I-515A.

Current J-1 EV Students

  • J-1 visa – Valid on the date of re-entry to the U.S. and bearing the name of your current school or program. Canadian citizens do not need a J-1 visa in their passport but Canadian “Landed immigrants” (Permanent Residents, without Canadian citizenship/passport) do. In certain cases, you may be able to re-enter the U.S. after a short trip to Canada or Mexico using AVR. See Automatic Visa Revalidation below.
  • Form DS-2019 with valid travel signature – Original, hardcopy document signed by you and OIS (or your exchange program sponsor if not OIS) in blue ink. OIS recommends that the travel authorization signature be no more than one year old on your date of re-entry to the U.S.

J-1 Exchange Visitor Scholars

  • Form DS-2019 with valid travel signature – Original, hardcopy document signed by you and OIS (or your exchange program sponsor if not OIS) in blue ink. OIS recommends that the travel authorization signature be no more than six months old on your date of re-entry to the U.S.
  • Proof of UIC appointment* – It is recommended that you carry a copy of your UIC departmental appointment letter and UIC ID (if available.)
  • Request an updated travel authorization signature on your DS-2019

F-1 & J-1 Alumni on Practical Training

International travel while applying for and participating in practical training can carry additional risks and considerations. Please refer to the appropriate page for more information.

  • F-1 post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)
  • F-1 post-completion STEM Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT)
  • J-1 post-completion Academic Training

H-1B, O-1, TN, E-3 Employees

Many of the documents needed for international travel are the same as you provided during your visa application process. Please see our UIC Employees page , travel, and visa process drop-down, for more information.

Non-UIC sponsored Employees and Visitors

Please contact your sponsor and/or attorney for advice.  Some additional travel details may be found here .

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Automatic visa revalidation.

Generally speaking, if you travel outside of the U.S. and need to re-enter, you must have a valid/unexpired visa to return. There is an exception to this rule for some travelers when taking a short trip from the U.S. to Canada, Mexico, or the adjacent islands. The exception is called Automatic Visa Revalidation or AVR.

To utilize the AVR allowance, your travel must be to contiguous territories and for less than 30 days. Under AVR, your expired U.S. entry visa stamp is considered to be automatically extended to the date of your re-entry to the U.S., provided that your visa has not been canceled, and that you have not applied for a new visa. Rules governing AVR are found in the United States’ Code of Federal Regulation .

Contiguous territories for the purposes of AVR are:

  • The adjacent islands: Saint Pierre, Miquelon, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, the Windward and Lee Islands, Trinidad, Martinique, the other British, French, and Netherlands territories or possessions in or bordering on the Caribbean Sea.

AVR Exceptions and considerations:

  • AVR does not apply to individuals from Cuba, Syria, Sudan, or Iran.
  • AVR cannot be utilized by individuals who travel from a contiguous territory (e.g. Canada) to a non-contiguous country (e.g. Germany) and return to the U.S. via a contiguous territory (e.g. Canada).
  • AVR cannot be utilized if you have a pending or approved visa application.
  • H-1B workers are allowed to take advantage of AVR for travel to Canada and Mexico ONLY, not the adjacent islands. However, Mexican nationals traveling to Mexico must have a valid U.S. visa to reenter the U.S.
  • If you have changed your status while in the U.S. and hold a visa for the previous status (for example, you changed your status from F-1 to H-1B, but still only have an expired F-1 visa; you may still use AVR), You must bring the supporting documents for your new status.
  • More information about AVR from the U.S. Department of State

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Visas for travel to mexico and canada.

If you intend to travel to Mexico or Canada, you may require a visa to enter either of those countries, depending on your citizenship. To confirm your need for a visa and how to obtain one, you must contact the Mexican or Canadian government, respectively. Please see below for resources.

  • Institute of National Migration, “Immigration Procedures”
  • Consulate General of Mexico in Chicago, Visa Information
  • Citizenship and Immigration Canada
  • Consulate General of Canada in New York City
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  • Independent Trave...

Independent Travel to Moscow and St. Petersburg

My wife and I have traveled independently to many European countries and, after reading many of the comments in this forum, feel like we may be able to do so in Moscow and St. Petersburg as well, although we feel somewhat less comfortable than the other countries where we have traveled in Europe.

My biggest question is how much we will miss by visiting the main sites without a tour guide. In the other European countries we have visited on our own we have been comfortable and satisfied with the level of knowledge we have gained by studying and visiting on our own, although we believe a tour guide or tour company in any country would normally be able to provide greater insight than visiting a site on our own, but about in Moscow and St. Petersburg?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Unless you speak at least some Russian and read the alphabet it would be difficult without a guide. Very few signs in English especially in Moscow. Also not too many people speak English there.

I visited St Petersburg last Autumn for a protracted period , and did not find it anymore daunting than any other European city . As Ilja says , learning the Cyrillic alphabet is a big plus . I also found that it was fairly easy to grasp . It will , among other things , enable you to read signs with relative ease . I would answer the main part or your question ( about tour guides ) thus - I am not enamored of tour guides or tours. While I only use a tour under duress ( A sites rules prohibiting an independent visit - ie Glasgow School of Art , Municipal House in Prague , etc ) . Doing your own preparation and homework is the best way , in my opinion . My wife and I ventured through St Petersburg with nary a concern ,and made two day trips outside of the central district ( one was twenty five miles away , and no English speakers in sight ) Figuring out the logistical details , did not present any difficulties . While I never use tours , I am an inveterate eavesdropper , have done so many times , and find , that on balance , the information that they impart is fairly elementary . If you want greater detail , they are unlikely to supply it . I also prefer to go at my own pace , not being rushed and being able to dwell on things that most other visitors barely give a passing glance . If you are interested , let me know . I would be happy to provide you with information that will enable you to travel independently

Thank you, Steven. I am encouraged by your comments and feel the same way you do about tour groups. We are very much willing to prepare in advance and learn the basics of the Cyrillic alphabet to help us have a better experience.

I would be very interested in learning more about your experience in Russia and receiving any additional information you can provide on independent travel there, starting perhaps with obtaining the visa.

I am not opposed to hiring a private or small group guide for a specific site or for a day trip outside St Petersburg and Moscow, but, like you said, I much prefer the freedom of staying at places as long or short as I want and seeing the sites that interest me most. For example, neither my wife nor I are big into shopping, yet most tour itineraries leave afternoon time for just that. Not interested!

Please provide whatever you may feel would be helpful for us.

Russ , I see you are quite near San Francisco - you can start by looking at the VISA procedure , it's fairly straightforward . Since there is a consulate in San Francisco - look here http://www.consulrussia.org/eng/visa-sub1.html

And here - http://ils-usa.com/main.php

Having always traveled independently, we thought we could do a better job than any tour. How misguided (pun intended) we were. Now that we have had the experience of having someone native to the area walk us around and explain things through a personal perspective we realize how much we missed. For St. Petersburg I highly recommend http://www.peterswalk.com/tours.html . This is not a traditional guided tour, but an opportunity to receive some orientation to the area as well as insight into the "Russian soul". I think if you did this upon arrival the rest of your time would be much more meaningful. We really liked the http://www.pushka-inn.com . The location is superb (just around the corner from the Hermitage square), the rooms lovely, the included breakfast at the restaurant next door ample and overall an excellent value. We used this company to get our visa: https://www.passportvisasexpress.com/site/san_francisco_customer_service Note that it costs about the same for a 3-year visa as a one-year, and you never know if you might want to return within that more extended window of time. It is not cheap, so factor that into your planning.

If you like traveling without a guide in other countries and find this satisfying, the same will be true in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Of course it's not either/or - you can certainly take a guided walk or boat tour, for instance.

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of learning Cyrillic if you're going on your own. The book I used was Teach Yourself Beginner's Russian Script, which was great. It breaks down the alphabet into letters that are the same as English, letters that look the same but are pronounced differently, etc. It's out of print, but you can get used copies on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Teach-Yourself-Beginners-Russian-Script/dp/0071419861/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1459701143&sr=8-2&keywords=teach+yourself+russian+script

Russia is indeed a bit more "foreign" than say, Italy. However, in Moscow and St. Petersburg, I found enough English to be able to get by. Many restaurants had English menus and/or English speaking staff, for instance. This was most emphatically not true in Vladimir and Suzdal (two cities in the Golden Ring outside Moscow). I went with my sister, a Russian speaker, and if she hadn't been there, I would have been in big trouble. So, if you want to see places outside these two big cities, use a guided tour (even if just for that part). Also, Moscow and St. Petersburg are huge cities. Coming from New York, I wasn't intimidated, but those not used to a megacity may not be so cavalier (even I found them overwhelming at times, especially Moscow).

I found both Lonely Planet and Rough Guide to be helpful, and both to have various errors. Look at both, buy whichever one has a more recent edition, and then be prepared to have to discard some of the advice therein. Also, these places change more quickly than places in Western Europe. Be very careful of outdated advice. For instance, I was there in 2001 and 2010, so I won't give you any specifics on getting a visa - that changes constantly.

Just as a teaser, two things I saw and loved that I doubt would be included in any escorted tour are the Gorky House in Moscow (an Art Nouveau wonder) and the Sheremyetov Palace in St. Petersburg (it's now a museum of musical instruments, and the decor is amazing, particularly in the Etruscan Room).

Thanks for all the good advice. Any additional thoughts are welcomed.

One of history's seminal works pertaining to Russian history and culture and a MUST for anyone contemplating a visit or simply interested , is this fine work from 1980 - http://www.amazon.com/Land-Firebird-The-Beauty-Russia/dp/096441841X

This is about you and not about Petersburg. Do you like guided tours? We don't and didn't find that a guide added to our experience in China where we did hire private guides mostly for the logistics; it was easy to have someone drive us places. But once at a site, we didn't need the guide. I felt the same way about our 9 nights in Petersburg. We did hire a guide for the trip to the Catherine Palace again for the ease of logistics for us Olds. Here is our visit: https://janettravels.wordpress.com/2016/01/23/an-easy-trip-to-the-catherine-palace/ There are also snapshots of the Church on Spilled Blood in this photo journal. Having someone pick us up at the apartment and get us in without line ups and shepherd us through the palace steering clear of the tour groups was lovely. But we didn't need commentary because we can read and prepare.

You certainly don't need a guide for the Hermitage (we spent 4 days there), the Russian Museum, the Kazan Cathedral or Church on Spilled Blood or the Faberge Museum. We enjoyed a number of self guided walking tours including a couple from Rick Steves guidebooks. We took the canal cruise suggested by RS that had an English commentator. I would not take one without that as you will be totally clueless. The commentator was not all that good but at least we had some idea what we were seeing. So for people like us who like to do our own thing and can read a guidebook and don't particularly like to be led about, a tour is not needed. If you enjoy tour groups, then go for it. Petersburg is easy to negotiate. It helps if you can read the cyrillic alphabet and it is also useful to have the google translate ap on your phone. We found ourselves translating packages in grocery stores with it and the occasional museum sign or menu. I have one food I need to avoid and so it was handy to have the translator to talk with waiters (I could either show them the sentence, or play it for them or play it to myself and then repeat it to the waiter -- that all worked well)

Dear Russ, I cannot help you with Moscow, but about four years ago, my husband and I went to St Petersburg on our own. But, we did use a private guide for 4 half days. We both feel that our guide absolutely made our trip (we stayed 6 or 7 nights). We used a company owned by Tatyana Chiurikova, www.tour-stpetersburg.com I cannot say enough good things about her and our experience. I emailed her and we worked out a schedule/ sights that was tailored to our interests. She also offered some recommendations, which we took. The guide will meet you at your hotel. And frequently, at certain places, with the guide, we were able to skip the long entrance lines. We had an half day driving tour of the city (car, driver, & guide). You are taken to & go in places such as Peter & Paul Fortress, some of the cathedrals, etc. We had a half day with the guide at the Hermitage which ensured that we would see the major sights there. And, of course, you can stay after your guide leaves or return another day. Also, we had the guide for Peterhof (a must & go by boat) and Catherine's Palace. I hope that you will go to the website. As I said, our guide made our trip. I am positive that we would have missed quite a bit on our own everyday. And I'm sure we would have wasted a lot of time trying to get to various place.This was the best of both worlds, a guide where needed and plenty of time on our own. Whatever you do, I'm sure that you will love St Petersburg! Ashley

I am curious about the lines as we encountered no lines on our trip -- but it was in September. We got tickets for the Hermitage at machines and skipped those lines and our guide for the Catherine Palace which was our only guided experience (as noted before, chosen for the logistics of getting there) had arranged tickets and we didn't have a line, but then we also didn't see lines. We did not find lines at any other site.

Both Moscow and St Petersburg I've done on my own, that is together with the Dear Partner. I can't remember any problem getting where we wanted to go. The Metro systems are well signed, and with a little exercise and patience you can recognize the station names. With a good map and a good guide - we had the Rough Guides - that part of the logistics is solved. The language is a major problem, but the usual tricks of pointing, looking helpless, and making a joke of it all do wonders. I would hate to be led by a guide, but for others it is a comfortable thought.

We also did both cities on our own. I found the DK Eyewitness guide for Moscow has the best map. I used the one from our library (kept the book at home). Took the smaller RS book for St. Petersburg ( his book on northern cities). His map and restaurant ideas were all good. We also downloaded the Google maps in our Android Samsung tablets/phones for both cities and then could get directions to any place we typed in. The blue ball guided us everywhere. I'm sure we missed somethings by not having a guide, but we just enjoy walking around and getting a sense of a place. If you like art, The Hermitage is great. We went 3 times and still missed alot. In St. Peterburg we stayed at the 3 Mosta which we loved (quite and not far from the Church of Spilled Blood.) We also loved the Georgian food in both cities. There's a great Georgian restaurant near the 3 Mosta hotel. We're now in Belarus- very scenic. Enjoy your trip!!

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  1. Travel

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  19. Independent Travel to Moscow and St. Petersburg

    2487 posts. Both Moscow and St Petersburg I've done on my own, that is together with the Dear Partner. I can't remember any problem getting where we wanted to go. The Metro systems are well signed, and with a little exercise and patience you can recognize the station names.

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