New Students
All new students are required to complete Passport Verification (PPV) with OIS prior to their first semester.
To sign up for a PPV session,
please click here
International Program Assistant Application
Please click
here to download the application.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
The majority of graduating F-1 students are eligible to apply for an initial 12-month EAD work authorization card.
In addition, a student may qualify to file a request for a 17-month extension to their first EAD card, called a STEM extension (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). The student must meet the following requirements:
- Student’s 12 month EAD card has activated;
- Student’s awarded degree is in an eligible STEM field;
- Student has a paid STEM position with a company that is on the E-verify system.
Some qualified students can also receive the benefit of a “cap gap” OPT extension if their H1B application has been filed with USCIS on their behalf by a company in a timely manner. They do not need to be in a STEM field to apply for this benefit.
Please see links below for further information, instructions and application materials.
General OPT Overview Information Handout
Mailing Address
USC Student Union 300
Los Angeles
California 90089-0899
Phone: (213)740-2666
Fax: (213)740-5194
Email: ois@usc.edu
OIS Office Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday:
8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday: 10:00am - 4:30pm
