QUICK LINKS Need ISFS Forms? Address Reporting Requirements for Non-U.S. Citizens Exchange Visitor Program Information for USC Faculty Traveling Abroad U.S. Customs and Border Protection (travel information) U.S. Consular Offices U.S. Visa Policy and Procedures U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Special Counsel Tax Information for Visitors to the United States - U.S. Internal Revenue Service Publication 513 (PDF) U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens – U.S. Internal Revenue Service Publication 519 (PDF) Off-Campus Housing Official Visitor’s Guide to Columbia (18.2 MB PDF)

NEWS TO USE U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has released Questions & Answers about pending employment-based applications for permanent residency. Related statistics (PDF) also were released and are available on the website. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is in effect as of June 1, 2009. WHTI requires U.S. and Canadian travelers to present a passport or other document that denotes identity and citizenship when entering the U.S. by land or sea. WHTI went into effect for air travelers on January 23, 2007. For current travel document requirements, please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently expanded use of its US-VISIT Program, a biometric security program introduced in 2004. All non-U.S. citizens, including non-immigrants and U.S. permanent residents, arriving at major U.S. ports of entry should expect to participate. For more information, please see the US-VISIT website. Attention internationals traveling to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP): Effective Jan. 12, 2009, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)  becomes mandatory for all VWP travelers to the U.S.  Individuals planning travel to the U.S. who are nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries should review important information on ESTA and related passport requirements under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).  Internationals registering in ESTA in anticipation of coming to USC for an academic activity should request clearance under the Visa Waiver for “Business” (W/B) status.  Additional online resources include the steps to register for the ESTA program, an information page and a FAQ sheet. USC departments planning to host international visitors should contact ISFS at 803.777.0288 or isfs@sc.edu to request invitation letter templates and related forms. Please note that the Department of Homeland Security’s ESTA requirements do not supersede the University’s travel policy or TA process.  Attention incoming international faculty and scholars: If you have not already done so, please contact International Support for Faculty and Staff at 803.777.0288 or by e-mail to schedule your orientation session as soon as possible.

Foreign faculty, staff and visiting scholars are offered the following services:

• Administration of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program for professors, research scholars, short-term scholars and specialists.

• Management of employer-driven immigration petitions such H-1B temporary worker applications, labor certifications, and employment based permanent resident petitions; information on tax liabilities, adjustment to status as a U.S. permanent resident, consular processing and applications for U.S. citizenship.

• Pre and post-arrival counseling and support services to insure a smooth transition into U.S., southern, and University culture. This includes pre-arrival information sent overseas, individual orientation sessions upon arrival, consultation on individual immigration concerns, and continued availability for cross-cultural and personal counseling as needed.

• Consultation, assistance, liaison, and advocacy on behalf of the University with all outside agencies pursuant to the employment of foreign scholars.

• Coordination of the Fulbright Visiting Scholars Program

• Cross-cultural programming and support for foreign scholars and their families.

U.S. faculty are offered the following programs and services:

• Coordination of the Fulbright Program for American Scholars.

• Information:

  • Cross-cultural briefing packets,

  • International grant advisories or opportunities, and

  • International visitor services.

• Liaison and advocacy for international educational exchange with community, government agencies and exchange organizations pursuant to faculty matters and USC internationalization efforts.

The office maintains regular contact with the Council on International Educational Exchange and the International Research and Exchanges Board to identify training and research opportunities made available through these organizations. The staff works closely with the local chapter of the National Council for International Visitors to coordinate the unique strengths of the visitor program into University internationalization efforts.

For the Fulbright program, the office acts as the USC liaison with the Council for the International Exchange of Scholars, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Alumni Association, all in Washington, D.C. The staff also works closely with the USC Student Fulbright Coordinator and the South Carolina Fulbright Association.

International Support routinely provides travel information involving cross-cultural educational materials and pre-departure briefing materials as requested by American faculty whose work takes them abroad. Background and/or briefing materials also are provided upon request for USC faculty hosting groups from abroad or those who may be writing grants for which such information may be useful. The office plays a central coordinating role for certain multi-disciplinary grants involving international training or cooperation.

Links for additional information:

• Council for International Exchange of Scholars (CIES), administers Fulbright grants for faculty and professionals
• Council for International Educational Exchange (CIEE), sponsors International Faculty Development Seminars
• International Reseach and Exchange Board (IREX)
• Rotary Grants for University Teachers

If you have questions or need assistance, contact International Support for Faculty and Staff at 803.777.0288 or via e-mail at isfs@mailbox.sc.edu.