- Learn more about USC’s world-class graduate programs, as well as our graduate student resources and application process. Submit your application for admission.
  Overview
  
  How to Apply
- Find out how to accept your offer of admission and learn more about your next steps in the enrollment process.
  Overview
  
  Admitted Student Next Steps
- Learn more about USC’s world-class graduate programs, our graduate student resources, the application process, and additional application requirements for international students. Submit your application for admission.
  Overview
  
  How to Apply
  
  Country Requirements
  
  English Proficiency
  
  Visa Exceptions
- Find out how to accept your offer of admission and learn more about your next steps in the enrollment process, as well as the requirements for obtaining a visa.
  Overview
  
  International Student Next Steps
- These pages will introduce you to the differences between F-1 and J-1 visas, as well as the application process and financial documentation requirements.
  Overview of Student Visas
  
  Admission I-20 Processing
  
  Financial Documentation Requirements
  
  Guidelines for Financial Support
  
  Trojan International Checklist
  
  SEVIS Transfer-In Process
Our Programs

McCarthy Quad with a wide shot of Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow Center for International and Public Affairs and Leavey Library as the sun sets on campus.

Learn more about USC’s world-class graduate programs, our graduate student resources, the application process, and additional application requirements for international students. Submit your application for admission.
Find out how to accept your offer of admission and learn more about your next steps in the enrollment process, as well as the requirements for obtaining a visa.
- Overview
- International Student Next Steps
These pages will introduce you to the differences between F-1 and J-1 visas, as well as the application process and financial documentation requirements.

Visa Exceptions

Permanent residents

U.S. permanent residents are not required to apply for student visas.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and AB 540 students

Undocumented students who have received Deferred Action, as well as AB 540–eligible students, do not need to apply for F-1 or J-1 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. Students must abide by the terms of the work visa to maintain their immigration status.

USC graduate student studying in a library

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. A more detailed breakdown of non-immigrant visa categories that are eligible for academic study can be found on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website.

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, per Department of Homeland Security regulations.