Accepted International Students

Applications to the 2026 SCA Summer Program open December 15, 2025.
The 2026 Program runs from Thursday, June 25 - Friday, August 7, 2026.
 For any questions, please contact us at summer@cinema.usc.edu.
or 213-740-3327.

All International Students attending the SCA Summer Program must have a valid F-1 Visa.

A B-1/B-2 Visa or any tourist or visitor visa is not acceptable for entering the United States in order to attend the SCA Summer Program.

The University will not refund tuition or fees for SCA Summer Program students
who are unable to enter the country due to an improper visa.

Required Documents for International Students

Once you have been accepted into the program and have activated your USC Account, international students will receive instructions on how to log into the USC Trojan International Portal, where you will submit your application for the I-20 form which certifies your eligibility to study in the U.S.

The documents a student will need to submit varies based on their status. Generally, the status categories and the documents required of each category are as follows:

  • International student (non-U.S. citizen, non-U.S. permanent resident) planning to enter the U.S. on an F-1 student visa and a USC I-20. These students must provide:
    • A copy of their current passport
      • Documentation of Financial Support
        • The U.S. government requires international students on a student visa to provide proof of the ability to pay for the tuition and fees. Documentation must show that the student has the funds to cover the full cost of the program.
          • Example documentation includes a recent savings or checking account bank statement, or a signed bank letter verifying the ability to pay for educational expenses.
  • International student with a valid visa status other than F-1. These students DO NOT need a USC I-20. These students must provide:
    • A copy of their current passport
    • A copy of their current visa. Please note: B1/B2/F2/ESTA are NOT valid visa statuses for full-time study
  • International student (non-U.S. citizen, non-U.S. permanent resident) currently studying in the U.S under another institution's I-20. These students DO NOT need a USC I-20. These students must provide:
    • A permission letter signed by a school official from their U.S. high school.
    • Immigration Status Verification (ISV) - Mandatory Meeting

    Upon arriving on campus, all international students must attend the mandatory Immigration Status Verification (ISV) meeting scheduled on Friday, June 26 from 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Failure to complete the ISV process will affect your eligibility to legally remain in the U.S.

    ISV Is a mandatory procedure for International Students to verify their immigration status to attend the SCA Summer Program. Once you have submitted the necessary documentation, your SEVIS will be validated.

    All immigration documents must be submitted as digital PDF files.

Status Required Immigration Documents
Issued USC I-20/F-1 Signed USC I-20 Page 1
Passport photo ID page
I-94 website page or a photo of your I-94 entry stamp in your passport.
F-1 student visa stamp (Note: Canadian citizens are exempted)
Another school's I-20/F-1 Permission Letter signed and dated by the student's current school.
Other Valid Visas Passport photo ID page
I-94 website page or a photo of your I-94 entry stamp in your passport.
Visa stamp
Green Card/ Permanent Resident Copy of Green Card/Permanent Resident Card.
Required Supplies for International Students

  • A U.S cell phone and charger with a U.S. phone number.
  • International students can buy a prepaid U.S. sim card on sites like Amazon, campusSIMS or from a phone service provider. Please purchase and activate the sim card before your arrival in the U.S

Resources for International Students

For additional information on requirements for International Students, please click the button below: