Permanent residents:
U.S. permanent residents are not required to apply for student visas.
Employment-based visa holders:
Students (and their dependents) already residing in the United States on work-related visas that permit study (such as the H1B, H4) may remain on their current visas if they so choose. The student must abide by the terms of the work visa to maintain his or her immigration status.
Other non-immigrant visa holders:
Students already residing in the United States on other non-immigrant visas that permit study (such as the L-2, O-1, etc.) may remain on their current visas should they choose to do so. A more detailed breakdown of non-immigrant visa categories that are eligible for academic study can be found here.
Note: B1/B2 tourist visas do not permit study in the United States under any circumstances.
Fulbright Scholars:
Students receiving financial support from the Fulbright Commission or other agencies such as AMIDEAST and LASPAU will be issued the DS-2019 by their funding agency. A copy of the scholarship letter must be submitted to USC.
Online program students:
Students enrolled in academic programs based entirely online are not eligible to apply for F-1 or J‐1 visas as per Department of Homeland Security immigration regulations.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and AB 540 students:
Undocumented students who have received Deferred Action and AB 540-eligible students do not need to apply for F-1 or J-1 visas.