Inform ISSS-EVP
Inform us of your intent to appoint an Exchange Visitor (often as a Visiting Scientist, Post Doctoral Fellow, etc.) by filling out the ISSS-EVP New J-1 form.
Once your unit contacts us through the ISSS-EVP New J-1 Form or by emailing j1evp@sc.edu, we will guide you through each step below. We are also providing this information
here so you can know what to expect.
Are They Eligible?
The potential scholar fills out the ISSS-EVP J-1 Visa Eligibility Questionnaire to ensure the J-1 visa is appropriate. We will contact the academic unit with either the affirmative to move forward or another visa plan.
How Long Will They Be Appointed?
Short-Term Scholars (1 day to 6 months); Research Scholars/Professors (3 weeks to 5 years); Student Interns (3 weeks to 12 months)
They Will Be Paid By USC
An offer letter will be required. Please set the start date at least 4 months out to ensure enough time for visa processing. Provide ISSS-EVP with the offer letter as soon as it is signed.
They Will Not Be Paid By USC
Follow the affiliate process. Academic unit submits the HCM-PeopleSoft affiliate eForm with the following attachments: intent form (filled out by unit), affiliate appointment letter, and affiliate information form (filled out by scholar).
International affiliates may not know their U.S. address right away, so the affiliate information form can be submitted later.
HCM-PeopleSoft affiliate eForms are approved upon arrival.
Academic Unit Submits Supervisor Agreement & Payment
The supervisor submits the USC Exchange Visitor Program Supervisor Agreement form, attesting to the responsibilities of the program host.
Academic unit sends $100 SEVIS Maintenance Fee to ISSS.
Student Interns & Form DS-7002
Only scholars in the "Student Intern" category are required complete Form DS-7002 with ISSS and their faculty supervisor. Scholars complete Sections 1 & 3, supervisors complete Section 4, including Phase Information.
Form DS-2019 is Issued & Emailed
After all documents and forms are collected, Form DS-2019 can be issued. ISSS will email the document, which is used to obtain the J-1 visa. Once a scholar has receipt of the SEVIS number, a visa interview appointment can be scheduled with the U.S. consulate.
Apply for J-1 Visa at U.S. Consulate in Home Country
Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee then prepare and submit form DS-160 (Non-immigrant Visa/NIV application), to schedule the J-1 visa interview. You will use the information on the DS-2019 for this.
Arrival & Orientation
Schedule orientation/check-in. Provide immigration documents for SEVIS verification. An active SEVIS status allows HR to set up payroll, USC ID and email, and more. You will receive emails about activation of USC systems.
Review orientation information.