Immigration39of financial support. Travel signatures are availablein OIS for J-1s on a walk-in basis duringnormal business hours. In addition, the J-1needs a valid visa to re-enter the US. If the J-1visa will not be valid at the time of re-entry, itwill need to be renewed at a U.S. consulate outsideU.S. borders prior to re-entry. J-1 visas cannotbe renewed in the U.S. For more information,see the OIS Web site (www.usc.edu/OIS).The U.S. Department of State Web site (travel.state.gov) also has useful visa information.Exchange Visitors from Afghanistan, Algeria,Bahrain, Bangladesh, Egypt, Eritrea, Indonesia,Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Lebanon,Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar,Somalia, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia,United Arab Emirates <strong>and</strong> Yemen are subjectto special registration requirements. They mustcomplete exit registration before leaving theU.S. If leaving through Los Angeles <strong>International</strong>Airport, this is done on the arrival level of theTom Bradley <strong>International</strong> Terminal.Change of AddressIf you move within the United States,you must inform the OIS of your change ofaddress within 10 calendar days. You canupdate your address by sending an email toj1exchg@usc.edu or by completing our Changeof Address form at OIS. OIS will update thegovernment with your new address in the SEVISdatabase. Exchange Visitors subject to SpecialRegistration should also file form AR-11SR inaddition to notifying OIS of their new address.Work Permission: J-2 DependentsJ-2 dependents may apply to <strong>USC</strong>IS for workauthorization. However, the dependents maynot work to support the principal J-1 ExchangeVisitor. This authorization can be requested oncethe J-2 has been in the U.S. for at least 30 days.OIS can provide the application materials <strong>and</strong>discuss the details of J-2 work authorization.The Exchange Visitor is responsible forsubmitting the application to the <strong>USC</strong>IS.Processing time with <strong>USC</strong>IS is approximatelythree months. Once the J-2 EAD (EmploymentAuthorization Document) is received, theJ-2 may apply for a Social Security number(SSN). Processing time with the Social SecurityAdministration is approximately four weeks.When applying for the SSN, J-2s should presenttheir DS-2019, passport, visa, I-94 card <strong>and</strong> J-2EAD to the local Social Security Administrationoffice. J-2s do not require a letter from OIS inorder to apply for an SSN.A Note of Caution Regarding EmploymentEmployment without proper authorization is aserious violation of the Exchange Visitor’s immigrationstatus. The J-1 must first consult withthe J-1 Responsible Officer <strong>and</strong> obtain approvalin writing for all employment opportunities.J-1 Visiting Professors, Research<strong>Scholar</strong>s <strong>and</strong> Short-Term <strong>Scholar</strong>sReporting RequirementsAll individuals on a J-1 Exchange Visitor programare required to report to OIS as soon aspossible after entry into the U.S. to completethe J-1 check-in process. Failure to do so mayjeopardize the J-1’s status <strong>and</strong> can causeproblems for future visits to the United States.Program Participation Time LimitThe maximum length of stay in the U.S. forExchange Visitors in the Professor or Research<strong>Scholar</strong> category is limited to five years. Shortterm<strong>Scholar</strong>s are allowed to stay for up to sixmonths. Unfortunately, extensions beyondthese maximum limits are not possible.12-Month BarThe 12-month bar states that any individualwho has been in the U.S. for more than sixmonths in the previous year with J-1 status isnot eligible to enter the U.S. as a J-1 Professoror Research <strong>Scholar</strong> for one year. Time spentin the J-1 Short-term <strong>Scholar</strong> category does notcount towards the 12-month bar. Individualssubject to the 12-month bar may enter as J-1Short-Term <strong>Scholar</strong>s, Non-Degree <strong>Student</strong>s, etc.The 12-month bar does not apply to J-1stransferring between institutions or thosepreviously with F-1 student status.24-Month BarThere is also a 24-month bar between J-1programs. This bar requires that a visitor spend24 months outside of J-1 status (either outsidethe U.S. or in another visa category other than gram.This bar is intended to prevent scholarsfrom participating in consecutive five-year J-1visits. This bar is different from the Two-yearHome Residence Requirement <strong>and</strong> applies to allJ-1 Research <strong>Scholar</strong>s <strong>and</strong> Professors completingtheir J-1 program after November 18, 2006.Exchange Visitors should be aware that thefive-year maximum is available on a “use orlose” basis. The 24-month bar applies to allJ-1 visits regardless of length. For example, aResearch <strong>Scholar</strong> could come to <strong>USC</strong> for eitherfive months or five years. Once the J-1 programends (DS-2019 expires) the scholar is not eligibleto begin a new J-1 visit as a Research <strong>Scholar</strong> orProfessor for 24 months. This regulation shouldnot adversely affect all scholars, but may beproblematic for those scholars who complete aJ-1 visit <strong>and</strong> intend to begin a new J-1 programat <strong>USC</strong> or another institution before 24 monthshave passed. The 24-month bar does notapply to the Short-Term <strong>Scholar</strong> category; OISrecommends this category for all J-1 visits ofsix months or less.If you feel this new 24-month bar may affectyour immigration situation, we encourage youto make an appointment to discuss your planswith a J-1 advisor.Change of CategoryIn general, a change of J-1 category (seeitem #4 on the DS-2019) is not possible. TheExchange Visitor must show that the purpose ofthe J-1 visit will remain the same although theJ-1 category will change. It has been our experiencethat such requests are rarely approved bythe U.S. Department of State.Incidental EmploymentTo work for any employer other than <strong>USC</strong>,the Exchange Visitor must first obtain approvalin writing from the J-1 Responsible Officer.Generally such employment is authorized onlyif it is directly related to the objectives of theprogram, is incidental to the primary program<strong>and</strong> does not affect the completion of theExchange Visitor’s program.If <strong>USC</strong> is the J-1 sponsor (Program #P-1-00322), we recommend that you visit OIS toobtain more information. If the J-1 sponsor isan organization other than <strong>USC</strong> (IIE, Amideast,etc.), you must contact your sponsor directly.OIS has no authority to grant employmentauthorization to those Exchange Visitorswhose J-1 visa is not sponsored by <strong>USC</strong>.J-1 <strong>Student</strong>sEnrollment<strong>International</strong> degree-seeking students in J-1status are required to maintain a full course ofstudy every semester. Failure to do so will affectyour immigration status. <strong>USC</strong> defines a fullcourse of study as a minimum of: Undergraduate students:12 units per semester Master’s degree graduate students:8 units per semester Doctoral degree graduate students <strong>and</strong>graduate students with a teaching/researchassistantship: 6 units per semester<strong>Student</strong>s in the “Non-Degree <strong>Student</strong>” categorymaintain their status by adhering to the termsof the visit as agreed upon with the sponsoringdepartment <strong>and</strong> described in item #4 on theDS-2019 form.Academic Training“Academic Training” is employment in thefield of the J-1 student’s academic program.This may be done before or after the completionof the program of study. The time limitis 18 months or the time that the student hasbeen a full-time student, whichever is shorter.However, if a J-1 student receives a doctoraldegree <strong>and</strong> then obtains a post-doctoralposition, the student may be eligible for anadditional 18 months of Academic Training.Doctoral students interested in the additional18 months of Academic Training should meetwith a J-1 advisor in OIS to discuss the detailsof the potential employment.All Academic Training is counted as full-time,even if employment is on a part-time basis.The regulations do not specify that academictraining before studies are completed must beless than full-time, so a student may be permittedto engage in full-time academic trainingbefore his or her program is completed. ContactOIS to inquire when full-time academic trainingis permissible.J-1 students in the “Non-Degree <strong>Student</strong>”category may be allowed to participate inAcademic Training. However, the requirements<strong>and</strong> procedures for these Exchange Visitors aremore complicated than for J-1 degree students.Exchange Visitors in the “Non-Degree <strong>Student</strong>”category who are interested in AcademicTraining should make an appointment to discusstheir situation with a J-1 advisor in OIS.EmploymentThe J-1 student must obtain written approval before starting any type of employment in theU.S. The J-1 Responsible Officer is obligatedto evaluate the proposed employment in thecontext of the program <strong>and</strong> the student’s personalcircumstances <strong>and</strong> then decide whetherit would be appropriate or not to recommendemployment.If <strong>USC</strong> is the program sponsor (Program# P-1-00322), the J-1 student should visit OISto obtain more information. If the J-1 sponsor isan organization other than <strong>USC</strong> (IIE, Amideast, directly. OIS has no authority to grant employmentpermission for those Exchange Visitorsnot sponsored by <strong>USC</strong>.Definition of EmploymentEmployment is any type of work performedor services provided in exchange for money,tuition, fees, books, supplies, room <strong>and</strong> board,or any other benefit or form of compensation. J-1 student employment is limited to 20 hoursper week during the academic year <strong>and</strong> 40hours per week during holidays <strong>and</strong> the annualvacation period. Examples include on-campusassistantships, other on-campus jobs <strong>and</strong> offcampusjobs that are necessary because ofurgent <strong>and</strong> unforeseen economic circumstances.For more details about the information providedhere or questions regarding your individualcase, please make an appointment to see a J-1Responsible Officer in OIS.38 UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AND SCHOLAR HANDBOOK 39
ImmigrationForeign ConsulatesFrequently Asked QuestionsFrequently Asked Questions What do I have to do to maintain my immigration status?(page 33) How do I get a Social Security Number? (page 5) How do I get a driver’s license? (page 6) How do I buy a car? (page 24) Can I work?– F-1 (page 36)– F-2 (page 36)– J-1 (page 39)– J-2 (page 38) Am I subject to taxes on any income I earn? (page 12) How many units do I have to register for each semester? (page 35) Can I ask for a Reduced Course Load (RCL)? (page 35) How do I get a program extension? (page 35) What do I need to re-enter the United States after travel?(page 35) I want to learn more about the United States <strong>and</strong> its culture. (page28) What is CPT? (page 36) What is OPT? (page 36) What is academic training? (page 39) How do I find out about financial aid? (page 11) I have a problem with my l<strong>and</strong>lord. What should I do?(page 27) What transportation options are there at <strong>USC</strong> <strong>and</strong> in LosAngeles? (pages 13 <strong>and</strong> 24) How can I get involved with <strong>USC</strong> organizations <strong>and</strong> activities?(page 15) Are there any differences in the U.S. academic setting that I shouldbe aware of? (page 14)This list primarily includes consular officeslocated in California. If your country isnot listed, visit the Office of <strong>International</strong>Services for assistance in locating thenearest consulate or embassy.Afghanistan11040 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 300Los Angeles, CA 90025(310) 473-6775, fax: (310) 473-6583afghanconsulate@hotmail.comArgentina5055 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 210Los Angeles, CA 90036(323) 954-9155, fax: (323) 934-9076consuladola@pacbell.netwww.consuladoargentino-losangeles.orgArmenia50 N. La Cienega Blvd., Suite 210Beverly Hills, CA 90211(310) 657-6102, fax: (310) 657-7419armconla@aol.comAustraliaCentury Plaza Towers, 31st Floor2029 Century Park EastLos Angeles, CA 90067(310) 229-2300, fax: (310) 229-2380innes.willox@dfat.gov.auwww.austrade.gov.auAustria11859 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 501Los Angeles, CA 90025(310) 444-9310, fax: (310) 477-9897los-angeles-gk@bmaa.gv.atAzerbaijan11766 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1410Los Angeles, CA 90025(310) 444-9101, fax: (310) 477-4860office@azxonsulatela.orgBangladesh4201 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 605Los Angeles, CA 90010(323) 932-0100, fax: (323) 932-9703Barbados3440 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1207Los Angeles, CA 90010(213) 380-2198, fax: (213) 384-2763denisem@barbadoa.orgBelgium6100 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1200Los Angeles, CA 90048(323) 857-1244, fax: (323) 936-2564losangeles@diplobel.fed.beBelize5825 W Sunset Blvd., Suite 206Los Angeles, CA 90028(323) 469-7343, fax: (323) 469-7346belizeconsul@earthlink.netBenin9111 S. La Cienega Blvd., Suite 204Inglewood, CA 90301(310) 641-3688, fax: (310) 223-1202mmdymally@yahoo.comBolivia3701 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1065Los Angeles, CA 90010(213) 388-0957, fax: (213) 384-6272cbolivia@aol.comBotswana355 S. Gr<strong>and</strong> Ave., Suite 4000Los Angeles, CA 90071(213) 626-8484, fax: (213) 626-0078Brazil Beverly Hills, CA 90211 fax: (323) 651-1274info@brazilian-consulate.orgBulgaria11766 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 440Los Angeles, CA 90025(310) 478-6700, fax: (310) 478-6277bglaconsulate@adelphia.netBurkina Faso214 23rd St.Santa Monica, CA 90402(310) 393-2531, fax: (310) 393-0181Burundi Los Angeles, CA 90020(213) 637-1456, fax: (213) 382-6166burundiembassy@erols.comCambodia422 Ord St., Suite GLos Angeles, CA 90012(213) 625-7777, fax: (213) 625-7766Canada550 S. Hope St., 9th FloorLos Angeles, CA 90071(213) 346-2700, fax: (213) 346-2767www.losangeles.gc.caCentral African Republic901 N. Camden Dr.Beverly Hills, CA 90210(310) 276-1030, fax: (213) 346-2767Chile6100 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1240Los Angeles, CA 90048(323) 933-3697, fax: (323) 933-3842cgchilela@yahoo.comChina, People’s Republic of443 Shatto Pl.Los Angeles, CA 90020(213) 807-8088, fax: (213) 807-8091webmaster@chinaconsulatela.orgColombia8383 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 420Beverly Hills, CA 90211(323) 653-9863, fax: (323) 653-2964cangeles@cancilleria.gov.coCosta Rica1605 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 400Los Angeles, CA 90015(213) 380-7915, fax: (213) 380-5639costaricaconsulatela@hotmail.comCroatia11766 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1250Los Angeles, CA 90025(310) 477-1009, fax: (310) 477-1866croconla@aol.comCyprus4219 Coolidge Ave.Los Angeles, CA 90066(310) 397-0771, fax: (310) 398-6775<strong>and</strong>reaaskyp@verizon.netCzech Republic10990 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1100Los Angeles, CA 90024(310) 473-0889, fax: (310) 473-9813losangeles@embassy.mzv.czDenmark10877 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1402Los Angeles, CA 90024(310) 481-0391, fax: (310) 481-0390info@danishconsulate.orgEcuador8484 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 540Beverly Hills, CA 90211 fax: (323) 658-1934coneclac@aol.comEl Salvador3450 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 250Los Angeles, CA 90010(213) 383-8364, fax: (213) 383-8599Estonia5273 Tendilla Ave.Woodl<strong>and</strong> Hills, CA 91364(818) 340-5766, fax: 805-552-8733jaaktreiman@gmail.comEthiopia3460 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 308Los Angeles, CA 90010(213) 365-6651, fax: (213) 365-6670Fiji2301 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 3185El Segundo, CA 90245(310) 531-8784, fax: (310) 531-8789fijila@vinsoncompany.comFinl<strong>and</strong>2301 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 3185El Segundo, CA 90245(310) 203-9903sanomat.los@formin.fiwww.finl<strong>and</strong>.orgFrance10990 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 300Los Angeles, CA 90024(310) 235-3200, fax: (310) 312-0704press-info@consulfrance.losangeles.orgwww.consulfrance-losangeles.orgGambia11718 Barrington Ct., Suite 130Los Angeles, CA 90077(310) 274-5084, fax: (310) 274-5879gambiala@aol.comGermany6222 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 500Los Angeles, CA 90048-4985(323) 930-2703, fax: (323) 930-2805losangeles@germanconsulate.orgwww.germanconsulate.org/losangelesGreece12424 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1170Los Angeles, CA 90025(310) 826-5555, fax: (310) 826-8670lagr@greekembassy.orgGuatemala1625 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 100Los Angeles, CA 90015(213) 365-9251, fax: (213) 365-9245fcastillo@minex.gov.gtGuyana222 W. Florence Ave.Inglewood, CA 90301(310) 320-3370, fax: (310) 320-3370jdoliveira@acninc.netHonduras3550 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 410Los Angeles, CA 90010(213) 383-9244, fax: (213) 383-9306honduconsula@yahoo.comHong KongSee China, People’s Republic ofHungary11766 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 410Los Angeles, CA 90025(310) 473-9344, fax: (310) 479-6443huconlos@mpowercom.netIcel<strong>and</strong>155 N. Anita Ave.Los Angeles, CA 90049(310) 440-3494, fax: (310) 440-9565ad@palomarpics.comIndia540 Arguello Blvd.San Francisco, CA 94118(415) 668-0662, fax: (415) 668-9764www.cgisf.orgIndonesia3457 Wilshire Blvd., 4th FloorLos Angeles, CA 90010 fax: (213) 487-3971www.kjri-la.netIraq1801 P St., NWWashington, DC 20036(202) 483-7500, fax: (202) 462-8813wasemb@iraqmofa.netwww.iraqiembassy.orgIran 2209 Wisconsin Ave., NWWashington, DC 20007(202) 965-4990, fax: (202) 965-1073www.daftar.orgJoohee ParkHong Kong, ChinaINTERNATIONAL STUDENT AND SCHOLAR HANDBOOK 41
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