Print this page.What happens after I submit my application?
The University of South Carolina will issue the I-20 or DS-2019 document after an international student has been accepted into the University and submitted the Financial Certification Form and Transfer Request Form (if transferring from another U.S. institution). The I-20 or DS-2019 document will allow a student to apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. If you are already studying in the U.S. on an F-1 visa, your previous school must authorize your transfer release date on SEVIS to USC so that you can be issued an I-20 by USC.
Detailed Visa Information
After you are sent an I-20 (for an F-1 visa) or DS-2019 (for a J-1 visa), you will need to apply for a visa, which is required for entry to the U.S.
F-1 Student Visa - This is the most common visa; it is for people who are not in an exchange program and want to attend a U.S. college or university
J-1 Student Visa - This visa is for students who are attending a U.S. college or university through an exchange program
For more information on completing the I-20 document, please click here.
For more information on completing the DS-2019 document, please click here.
For more detailed descriptions about each visa, please visit Education USA's Web site.
Applicants who are citizens of Canada, Bermuda, Bahamas, and residents of certain other islands do not need a visa to enter the U.S. but must show their I-20 or DS-2019 when entering the United States. You will need to make an appointment with your local embassy or consulate, and an estimated wait time for your visa appointment is available at http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors_wait.php. The following forms must be completed:
DS-156 Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form
DS-158 Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant
DS-157 Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application (if the applicant is a male between the ages of 16 and 45)
If your I-20 or DS-2019 has been issued for initial attendance or to start a new J-1 program of study, you will also need to pay the $100 Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) fee. SEVIS fee payment options can be found by clicking here. You must bring the receipt of SEVIS fee payment with you to the visa interview.
Please be sure to visit the United States visa policy and procedures Web site before completing your visa application.
What happens after I've decided to attend the University of South Carolina?
International students are encouraged to live on campus. Many choose to live in Carolina's Global Community, one of our residential learning environments. Please visit Housing's Web site.
All international students at USC are required to be covered by a health insurance plan that meets University and minimum federal standards. Check Student Health Services for details.
What happens when I arrive in Columbia?
The Columbia Council for Internationals (CCFI) is a non-profit, volunteer organization of people who volunteer their services to provide hospitality and special programs for international students and scholars in the Columbia community. CCFI provides arrival assistance by meeting new students at the Columbia airport. Students are welcome to request arrival assistance.
All new students must attend new student orientation. The International Programs Office sponsors new student orientation before each semester begins. More information on new student orientation can be found here. Temporary housing at the Bates House (an on-campus residence hall) is available the week before campus residence halls officially open for the fall semester.
The F-1 and J-1 student visas allow on-campus work only for up to 20 hours during the fall and spring semesters and up to 40 hours during summer and other school breaks. Off-campus work is permitted only when a student has applied for and been approved for off-campus work authorization.
Students at USC on F-1 or J-1 visas are eligible for a Social Security Number. In order to report your wages earned annually on-campus to the U.S. government, you must have a Social Security Number. More information on this process can be found here.
Please be sure to read the International Student Handbook before coming to the University of South Carolina.