QUICK LINKS Need ISFS Forms? Address Reporting Requirements for Non-U.S. Citizens ESL Adult Education Class Information Exchange Visitor Program Hiring Temporary Employees from Outside the U.S. (PDF) Information on U.S. Consular Offices U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services U.S. Visa Policy and Procedures 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)

NEWS TO USE Attention international visitors traveling to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP): The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will be implemented as a mandatory program for all VWP travelers 60 days after publication of a notice in the Federal Register. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security anticipates that the Secretary of Homeland Security will issue that notice in November 2008, with ESTA becoming mandatory for all VWP travelers on Jan. 12, 2009. International travelers traveling to the U.S. without a visa, who are nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries, should review important information on passport requirements under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). 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.  In the meantime, you may wish to download the 2008 Official Visitor’s Guide to Columbia (PDF, 13.4 MB) for detailed information on the Columbia metropolitan area, including attractions, events, history, arts, sports, outdoors, dining, accommodations, relocation and more. Additional information is available online at the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau. Online applications are being accepted for the 2010 Diversity Visa Lottery Program. This program allows up to 50,000 individuals to receive permanent residence through a random selection process designed to increase diversity by encouraging immigration from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. Interested individuals should visit the Department of State website for instructions. The lottery application deadline is noon (Eastern Standard Time) on December 1, 2008.

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.