The J-1 visa is a very flexible visa and was designed to accommodate many types of visits to the university.
In most cases the J-1 visa is the most appropriate immigration classification for short-term visits to USC. This is true even if the visitor will not be paid by USC or enrolled in classes. Although many visitors may be able to enter the U.S. with existing B-1/B-2 visas or as citizens of a Visa Waiver Program country this does not mean one of these business/tourist classifications is appropriate for their activities at USC. Since the attacks of September 11, 2001, the Department of Homeland Security has exercised additional scrutiny over, and generally discourages, academic activities by foreign nationals entering the U.S. in tourist status. There are circumstances when the B-1/B-2 or Visa Waiver statuses are appropriate but the parameters are very narrow.
Please use the information below to help guide your decision. We encourage you to consult with OIS (zmwillia@usc.edu) if you have any questions regarding the appropriateness of the tourist visa for your visiting foreign nationals.
For long-term employment or tenure-track positions the H-1B visa status may be a better alternative. More information on the H-1B visa can be found below or by visiting the Faculty/Staff Visa Services unit of OIS.
B-1 Visitor for Business
- Individual can be reimbursed for expenses
- Individual can be granted an honorarium if visit is less than 9 days at USC and if the individual has not participated in such activities at more than 5 institutions in the previous 6 months.
- Individual cannot be in an employee position
- No wages can be paid
- Cannot enroll in classes
- Length of stay determined by Immigration official at the port of entry (may be extended in some circumstances)
- Individuals from certain countries may be eligible for a visa waiver (enter in WB status, 90 day max)
B-2 Visitor for Pleasure
- Individual can be reimbursed for expenses
- Individual cannot receive honoraria
- Individual cannot be in an employee position
- No wages can be paid
- Cannot enroll in classes
- Length of stay determined by Immigration official at the port of entry (may be extended in some circumstances)
- Individuals from certain countries may be eligible for a visa waiver (enter in WT status, 90 day max
H-1B Temporary Worker
- Appropriate for temporary long-term employment up to 6 years
- Can be used for potentially “permanent” employment
- Must be paid at industry average or “prevailing wage” as set by the Department of Labor
- Bachelor’s degree must be a minimum qualification for the position
- Individual must have appropriate degree and/or experience for the position
- USC support is the only possible funding source
- Processing time can take up to many months as application requires petition by USC to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- Individuals currently subject to the Two-Year Home Residence Requirement because of previous time spent in J-1 status cannot apply for H-1B status until the Requirement has been met or a waiver granted
- H-4 spouse is not allowed to work, but may take classes on a part-time or full-time basis