INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

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USC Pre-College > Summer Programs > International Students

IMMIGRATION CONSIDERATIONS

  • USC Summer Programs is a full-time program in a SEVP accepted institution. Therefore, international students (or non-U.S. citizens/permanent residents) are required to enter the United States using an F-1 student visa (some exceptions apply).
  • Other visas, such as the B-1 “tourist” or B-2 “business” visa, and the visa waiver program associated with B-1 and B-2 visas, do not allow for academic study that earns credit or has courses that involve more than 18 hours per week of in-class time. The university will not refund tuition or fees for USC Summer Programs students who are unable to enter the country due to an improper visa.
  • Once admitted, international students will receive information on how to procure a USC I-20, a form that is needed to obtain an F-1 student visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR IMMIGRATION

Accepted international students requiring an F-1 visa must provide:

  • A copy of their current passport
  • Documentation of Financial Support*
    • The U.S. government requires international students on a student visa to provide proof of the ability to pay for the tuition and fees. Documentation must show that the student has the funds to cover the cost of the program, estimated at $11,034 Example documentation includes a recent savings or checking account bank statement, or a signed bank letter verifying the ability to pay $11,034 for educational expenses.

Accepted international students that are currently attending high school in the U.S. on an F-1 visa do not require an I-20 from USC. Instead, these students will need to submit:

  • A permission letter signed by a school official from their U.S. high school.

RESIDENTIAL EXPERIENCE & TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

  • International students, and students currently living abroad, participating in USC Summer Programs must:
    • Reside on campus — the commuter option is not available
    • Have a domestic, U.S. mobile phone number
  • Please visit the Residential Experience section and Packing and Supply List page to learn about living arrangements on campus, what to bring, and what is available for purchase after arrival
  • International students, and students currently living abroad, are automatically enrolled in the USC Student Health Insurance Policy for the duration of the program
  • Due to the uncertainty of customs, students are responsible for their own travel arrangements to the USC campus
  • USC Summer Programs cannot offer any early arrival or late departure accommodations, so please plan all flights and hotel reservations accordingly
  • There is no guarantee students will be issued a visa — do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until students have a valid student visa, if needed

MANDATORY FEES TO THE U.S. GOVERNMENT

Beyond the estimated $11,034 total of tuition and fees outlined for international students on the Admission, Tuition, and Fees page, international students requiring an F-1 visa will have additional mandatory fees that are due to the U.S. Government.

Fees may vary from country to country. Please check here to see if your country has additional issuance fees. Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not need a visa and therefore are not required to pay a visa application fee. However, these citizens will still require an USC I-20 form to enter the U.S. Therefore, it is imperative that these citizens request a USC I-20, pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, and show receipt of these documents to the U.S. Customs officer when crossing the border.
* Scroll right to view full table
Additional Fees Paid to U.S. GovernmentFee Amount
Visa Application Fee$185
SEVIS I-901 fee$350
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