University of Southern California
PROCEDURE FOR J-1 (VISITING SCHOLAR)
CHECK-IN INTERVIEW
1- Welcome the scholar (and dependents) to USC.
2- Inquire concerning purpose in coming, research activities, and what hopes to learn/accomplish while here. NOTE: This is to express interest in the scholar and his/her objectives.
3- Review scholar permanent record sheet and copies of I-94, DS-2019, visa and passport information.
4- Activate scholar’s record in fsaATLAS by changing status from SEVIS-pending to SEVIS active and recording address. (Dependent data is automatically changed as well.)
5- Explain difference between visa validity and time can stay in U.S., explain meaning of D/S. Explain if intends to travel within visa validity period s/he does not need revisit Consulate/Embassy for new visa, only get signature on DS-2019 by a RO. BE SURE SCHOLAR HAS ALREADY SIGNED HER/HIS PART OF DS-2019.
6- If bound by 212(e), two-year home country residence requirement, explain what it means. Be sure to point out that it is NOT A PROHIBITION ON VISITING THE U.S. FOR TWO YEARS!
7- Inquire about intended period of stay. If longer than period given on DS-2019, explain extension procedures and need to apply for extension approximately one month prior to program expiration. Be sure applicant knows that proof of continued funding will be required before extension of stay will be done.
8- Give scholar the HANDBOOK and refer to relevant sections as discuss the following items: housing; procedure for getting an e-mail account; banking options; procedure for access to the Lyon center (recreational facilities) and library access.
If scholar has not already secured housing, discuss housing options: living close to campus, using USC tram transportation vs. living farther way and needing own transport. Advise of major areas where students live. If interested in student housing, see if it is possible (sometimes scholars are permitted to live in Graduate Student Housing, but only if there are vacancies). Otherwise check with departmental colleagues re: housing options, and also check our bulletin board, kiosks on campus, and the Daily Trojan for possibilities. Mention cyber resources for housing help:
www.freelists.com - This is a free to all site for homes and rooms for both renters and landlords
www.Springstreet.com - allows users to search for apartments around a college
www.Apartmentlinks.com - allows users to search for apartments within an area code
www.Conquesthousing.com - lists some apartments for the USC area only
www.Craigslist.com - a user group with apartment listings (including sublets) for the LA area
www.Apartmentforrent.com - apartment and corporate housing search withing the city
www.trojancity.com- housing-listing service run by a company of your fellow Trojans. They have a $10 membership fee.
9- Also if member of a nationality with a club, refer him/her to the club contact for some housing help. If appropriate, refer to housing assistant.
10- If scholar does not have a Social Security card, inform of the procedure and were to go to obtain. Social Security number is desirable to have before USCard is issued. If to be on USC payroll must have established an SSA account before can be paid.
11- If scholar intends to drive here, inform of DMV location and the fact that a non-California Driver’s License is good for six months. Inform of California laws regarding automobile insurance. Suggest the possibility of contacting their home country’s consulate for information on automobile insurance providers.
12- Inquire about health insurance. If scholar has it already record on the Permanent Record form. If to be provided by USC as an employee note as well. Otherwise give a copy of the current Health Care Plus brochure and note on PRF.
13- If has dependents, advise of Spouse English class and school registration procedure for children. Expect questions concerning spouse employment.
14- Provide copy of the latest International Connection and advise of procedure for getting on the International Update, electronic news listing.
15- Be available to answer any questions that the new scholar may have and advise of our continual availability. Give the scholar a copy of your card.