Prospective exchange visitors must work directly with a USC academic department or faculty host regarding potential appointments, invitations, or research opportunities. ISSS does not place exchange visitors with faculty members, research labs, or university departments. Once a department reaches out, ISSS assists with immigration eligibility review, document issuance, and regulatory compliance throughout the program.
The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program promotes international educational and cultural exchange. At USC, departments may use J-1 sponsorship to host qualified international visitors for temporary academic appointments and collaborative activities.
J-1 sponsorship may be appropriate for:
- Visiting professors
- Research collaborators
- Postdoctoral researchers
- Student interns
- Specialists with unique expertise
The J-1 category is designed for temporary exchange-based activities. Departments seeking long-term employment authorization for faculty or staff should consult ISSS regarding other immigration options.
Appropriate Uses of J-1 Sponsorship
Departments may consider J-1 sponsorship when:
- the appointment is temporary,
- the activity includes educational or cultural exchange,
- the visitor possesses appropriate academic credentials,
- and the visitor will participate in approved research, teaching, or collaborative activities.
Common Examples
- Visiting research scholar appointments
- Postdoctoral research positions
- Visiting faculty collaborations
- Short-term academic exchanges
Funding
USC estimates the minimum cost of living to be $1,900 USD per month for the J-1 scholar, plus $500 per month for the first accompanying J-2 dependent and $400 for each additional J-2 dependent.
Certification may come from a scholarship or fellowship, personal savings, a salary from USC, other verified funding, or a combination thereof. If you will be paid by USC, the salary will count towards the total certification amount.
English Language Proficiency
Federal regulations require USC to verify that exchange visitors possess sufficient English language proficiency to:
- participate successfully in their program activities,
- function independently in daily life,
- and engage in the cultural exchange components of the program.
Departments must document English proficiency through one or more approved methods, such as:
- a documented interview conducted in English,
- evidence of prior academic study in English,
- recognized English language test scores,
- or other objective institutional documentation.
General Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for J-1 sponsorship at USC, exchange visitors must generally:
- possess sufficient academic or professional credentials for the proposed activity,
- demonstrate appropriate English language proficiency,
- participate in a temporary program with a defined objective,
- maintain adequate financial support,
- maintain required health insurance coverage,
- and engage only in activities consistent with the approved J-1 category.
Department Responsibilities
Hosting departments are responsible for:
- ensuring the appointment aligns with J-1 regulations,
- providing accurate program information,
- supporting the exchange visitor’s participation,
- notifying ISSS of significant program changes,
- and helping facilitate the cultural exchange component of the program.
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| Category | Typical Activities | Maximum Duration | Key Notes | Keywords (hidden column) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professor | Teaching, lecturing, research | 5 years | Temporary academic appointments | tag 1, tag2 |
| Research Scholar | Research, collaboration | 5 years | Most common category for postdocs/researchers | |
| Short-Term Scholar | Lectures, consultation, training | 6 months | No extensions beyond 6 months | |
| Student Intern | Training | 1 year | Requires training plan DS-7002 | |
| Specialist | Observation, consultation, expertise sharing | 1 year | Specialized knowledge |
For USC Departments
Postdoc positions do not need to be posted the same way faculty positions are.
Work with your unit's HR rep, and follow our EVP process.
If funding comes from sources outside of USC, the host department can appoint a non-salaried affiliate per policy UNIV 2.50.
Work with your unit's HR rep, and follow our EVP process for international affiliates.