Visa Requirements
Now that you've been admitted to USC, the first step is to get your visa. We hope the information in this section will help you obtain a visa successfully. In order to study at USC as an international student, you need to have a valid non-immigrant visa. Most international students admitted to USC obtain F-1 or J-1 visas. Students who are studying at other institutions and have valid visas, can transfer to USC without applying for a new visa; but they need to file other documents with the BCIS through the Office of International Services. In this section on visas and BCIS regulations, we discuss the different visas for international students and explain the regulations and exceptions associated with the more popular categories. We hope this will help you to understand the visa application process and make it easier.
NEW $100 SEVIS FEE
A new SEVIS fee became effective September 1, 2004. The fee is set at $100 and can be paid online with a credit card, by mail, or at a U.S. consulate (currently China and India only) by filing Form I-901 (http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/index.htm). In general, the SEVIS fee is a one-time payment that applies to students and exchange visitors who wish to begin an "initial" program of study or research. The fee must be paid before a visa will be issued. The SEVIS fee does NOT apply to most continuing students and scholars at USC. PLEASE NOTE, the SEVIS fee is required by the U.S. Government and made payable to the Department of Homeland Security. USC receives no funds or services as a result of this fee.
For more detailed information please see the 'SEVIS I-901 fee Frequently Asked Questions section of the ICE' (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) website at: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/.
A. WHAT IS A STUDENT VISA?
If the primary purpose of your visit to the US is to study, then you should apply for a student visa. A student visa is a permit issued by the US government to non-immigrant students to study in the country.
USC accepts students in two student visa categories:
F-1 VISA
The F-1 visa is the most popular student visa and is issued to full-time students enrolled in an academic or language program at an American institution. In order to apply for the F-1 visa, you need to have received the I-20 A-B form, commonly referred to as I-20. The I-20 is a three-page form with a USC official's signature on Line 10 on page 1.
Students on these visas are eligible for full-time and part-time study and work after certain requirements are satisfied. Further information about F-1 visas can be obtained from the Immigration page on the Office of International Services (OIS) site: http://www.usc.edu/student-affairs/OIS/
J-1 VISA
The J-1 visa is an exchange visitor visa issued to students at all academic levels (although technically it is not considered to be a student visa). In order to apply for the J-1 visa, you need to have received the DS-2019 form. The DS-2019 is a two-page form with a USC official's signature on Line 7 on DS-2019.
What is a DS-2019 and what do I do with it?
The DS-2019 is the "certificate of eligibility" for J-1 status. All Exchange Visitors must have this document in order to receive the J-1 visa. J-1 Students receive the DS-2019 from the Office of International Admissions with their admission letter or shortly thereafter. Once you have received your DS-2019 you will need to go to a U.S. embassy or consulate to apply for the J-1 visa. Please refer to the OIS website 'Student Visas' section and the Department of State website 'Visa' section for more information on applying for the J-1 visa. The website http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov is also a good source for visa information.
Eligibility
An individual admitted to an academic program for a full course of study leading to or culminating in the award of a degree or certificate. Individuals are not eligible for J-1 Student status if they are supported substantially by personal or family funds.
Length of Stay
J-1 Students are allowed to remain in the U.S. for the duration of studies as well as an authorized period of employment know as Academic Training, provided they are enrolled full time during their course of study and maintain a valid DS-2019.
Two-Year Home Residence Requirement
If Exchange Visitors are funded in whole or in part by their home country's government they will be subject to the Two-Year Home Residence Requirement. They will also be subject if funded directly by the U.S. government or through a U.S. government grant designated for international exchange. Government grants that do not specify that the funding is for international exchange do not subject an EV to the Two-Year Rule. In such cases departments should mark "( x ) No" under the USC* funding portion of the DS-2019 application.
Subjectivity to the Two-Year Rule is at the discretion of the consul. Departments and potential Exchange Visitors should be attentive when applying for a J-1 entry visa. If Exchange Visitors are employed by their home government and their visa application says "salary" this may be considered government funding. Funding from a national institute could also be considered government funding. It is in the best interest of the Exchange Visitor to take caution when completing the funding portion of the DS-2019 application. Do not list government funding unless the funds are truly coming from the Exchange Visitor's government.
B. HOW DO YOU APPLY FOR A STUDENT VISA?
In most countries, first-time student visa applicants are required to appear for an in-person interview. However, each embassy and consulate sets its own interview policies and procedures regarding student visas. Make it a point to consult the local US embassy or consulate Web site for specific application instructions.
Keep in mind that June, July, and August are the busiest months in most consular sections, and interview appointments are not easy to come by during that period. Students need to plan ahead to avoid having to make repeat visits to the embassy. To allow time to overcome any unforeseen problems that might arise, students are encouraged to apply for their visas several weeks before they plan to travel.
C. WHAT DO YOU NEED TO APPLY?
All applicants for a student visa must provide the documents suggested below:
- Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, issued by USC, if you are an F-1 or J-1 (respectively).
- Completed nonimmigrant visa application form (DS-156) with photo for each person applying: A separate form is needed for children, even if they are included on a parent's passport. These forms are available at the embassy at no charge.
- Passport valid for at least six months after your proposed date of entry into the United States.
- Receipt for visa processing fee: When you go to the US consulate or embassy to apply for your visa, you will first have to pay the visa processing fee. On paying the fee, you will be issued a receipt. Keep this receipt showing payment of the visa application fee for each applicant, including each child listed on a parent's passport who is also applying for a US visa, to present to the consular officer during the interview.
Applicants with dependents must also provide:
- Proof of the student's relationship to his/her spouse and/or children (e.g., marriage and birth certificates.)
- It is preferred that dependents apply for visas at the same time, but if the spouse and children must apply separately at a later time, they should bring a copy of the student visa holder's passport and visa, along with all other required documents.
In addition, all applicants should be prepared to provide:
- Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended.
- Financial evidence that shows you or your sponsor who is sponsoring you has sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended study. For example, if you or your sponsor is a salaried employee, please bring income tax documents and original bank books and/or statements. If you or your sponsor own a business, please bring business registration, licenses, and tax documents, as well as original bank books and/or statements.
- Any additional documents that might help establish your ties to the local community.
It is important to remember that applying early and providing the requested documents does not guarantee that the student will receive a visa. Also, because each student's personal and academic situation is different, two students applying for same visa may be asked different questions and be required to submit different documents. For that reason, the guidelines that follow are general and can be abridged or expanded by consular officers overseas, depending on each student's situation.
D. THE RIGHT ATTITUDE
In addition to providing the right documents and having the right reasons, making the right impression on the consular officer is equally critical in the visa application process. Here are some interviewing techniques suggested by NAFSA:
- Speak in English - Practice interviewing in English with a native English speaker. Being fluent and confident will help you present your case better. However, avoid preparing a speech.
- Speak for yourself - Make your case yourself. Having your parents or others speak on your behalf does not make a good impression on the consular officer.
- Be brief - Keep your answers and explanations short and to the point, as consular officers can only spend a limited amount of time with each applicant.
- Be positive - Do not argue with the consular officer or come across as rude and sarcastic; even if you are denied a visa. Instead courteously ask the officer to suggest additional documents you could bring in order to overcome the refusal.
E. CAN YOUR VISA APPLICATION BE REFUSED?
Occasionally students have been denied visas. The most common cause for this is because the consular officer is not sufficiently convinced of the student's intentions to return to her native country after completing her studies. Lately, there have been reports in the press about a relatively high number of Chinese student visa denials. The American Embassy in China has responded by demystifying the student visa application process and providing students with tips and information on applying successfully for a visa.
Most students are denied visas on the basis of Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) that states: "Every alien shall be presumed to be an immigrant until he establishes to the satisfaction of the consular officer, at the time of application for admission, that he is entitled to a nonimmigrant status..." This essentially means that the burden is on the student to prove beyond doubt "permanent residence" or "strong ties" to his home country. Fortunately, a visa denial is not permanent and can be reversed, if the student can show new, incontrovertible evidence.
Some tips to demonstrate your intentions to return to your native country:
- Convince the consular officer that the sole (not just "primary") purpose of your visit to the US is to pursue a program of study.
- Outline your plans for when you complete your education and return to your country.
- Document family ties, business interests, and assets in your home country.
- Discuss your job prospects, upon completion of your US education, in your native country.
Student visa applicants must establish to the satisfaction of the consular officer that they have binding ties to a residence in a foreign country, which they have no intention of abandoning, and that they will depart the United States when they have completed their studies. Despite your bona-fide intentions, if you are still denied a student visa, do not get unduly upset or argue with the consular officer. Most often, you will be given a note that explains why your request has been denied. Politely inquire from the officer how you can improve your chances the next time and what documentation you should provide to reverse the denial. Thank the officer and take down her name for future reference. Upon your return, conduct a thorough re-evaluation of your case and contact OIS for assistance.
Allow at least four to six weeks to complete the visa application process. If you have questions about applying for a student visa, contact the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate in your country. In addition, the Department of State website has tips on applying for the F-1 visa. This important information can be found at the following Internet site: http://travel.state.gov.
F. USEFUL LINKS
Tips for a successful US consular interview from NAFSA:
http://www.tc.columbia.edu/admin/international/detail.asp?Id=New+Students&Info=Visa+Basics&Area=Tips+for+a+Successful+U.S.+Consular+Interview
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) - information for International Students. https://www.fmjfee.com/instr_yes.jhtml
G. TRANSFER STUDENTS
Who is an International Transfer student?
An international student studying in another institution in the US on a valid F-1 visa, who will be transferring to USC, is considered to be an International Transfer student. In order to transfer to USC, it is imperative that the student meet certain requirements in order to maintain legal status in the US.
As with other international students, you must register with the Office of International Services upon arrival to do passport verification and notify them of any changes in your academic program, enrollment, visa, or employment status.
The international transfer process varies depending on whether or not you leave the US before you come to USC:
- If you are currently studying at another school in the US but will be leaving the US prior to coming to USC, simply show the Immigration Officer USC's I-20 upon reentry to the US. You need not visit the US consulate unless your student visa has expired. By entering the US on USC's I-20, you effect an immigration transfer to USC.
- If you will not be leaving the US, the first step is: Request that your previous school release you in SEVIS so USC's International Admissions office can prepare you a new SEVIS I-20. Then bring a copy and an original of BOTH the new USC I-20 and the previous college's I-20 with you when you do passport verification at USC.
How do you transfer to USC?
Regardless of your visa status, your transfer to USC will be processed during Passport Verification (PPV), a must for all international students. You will not be able to register for classes without completing PPV. You can make an appointment for a PPV session at OIS, or participate in PPV during your G&IP Orientation.
All new International Transfer students must submit the following items at PPV:
- Passport: Your original passport and copies of the pages that contain the passport photo, passport number and passport expiration date
- I-94 card: This is the little white small white card you received at the point of entry that was stapled to your passport. Bring the original card stapled to your passport as well as a photocopy of the front and back of your I-94 card
- Permanent Record Form: Download this form here and complete it
- I-20 forms (for F-1 students only): The original USC I-20 and a copy of pages 1 and 3; and a copy of pages 1 and 3 of the I-20 from your previous institution (be it a high school, language school, college or university)
- DS-2019 form (for J-1 students only): A photocopy of the document and copies of your dependents' DS-2019.
If you were working on Optional Practical Training prior to coming to USC, please provide us with:
- A copy of the Employment Authorization card (EAD) for students on Optional Practical Training.
Once you are registered full time at USC, we will register you in SEVIS as a full time student. Completing the transfer process in a timely and precise manner is an important requirement, failing which students may lose their legal status in the US.
Reentry on USC I-20: If you traveled outside the US and re-entered on USC's I-20, you do not need to follow these procedures. You have been automatically "transferred" to USC's I-20. But you need to turn in copies of your I-20, I-94 card, passport, and visa to OIS during Passport Verification.
Students who travel outside of the U.S. after starting their studies at USC, should request a new I-20, prior to leaving the country. Instead of "transfer pending" your new I-20 will say "continued attendance".
