Basic Requirements for a Position to be Sponsored by USC
Federal regulations and USC policies and practices limit the types of positions we can sponsor for work visas. In general:
- The position must be full-time.
- The position must be fully benefits eligible.
- The position must meet the regulatory definition of “professional” and “specialized”, i.e. it must require at minimum a bachelor’s degree in a specialty field as the normal requirement for entry into that occupation.
- The position must pay as regulations require for that type of work visa, and the hiring department must meet or exceed the required wage.
Faculty
All full-time instructional positions covered in the Faculty Handbook are eligible.
Research Staff
Research Associate and above, including research specialists and research faculty.
Postdocs
Not all types of Postdocs qualify. “Postdoctoral Scholar – Research Associate” positions qualify if they meet the baseline requirements above. For other types of Postdocs, please inquire with the Office of International Services (OIS) about sponsoring a Postdoc under a J-1 visa.
Technical Staff
Computer, business and related technical specialties can qualify, but they must meet the baseline requirements above.
Managerial/Executive
Most positions will qualify, if they require at minimum a bachelor’s degree in a specialty field plus experience.
Types of positions we are unable to sponsor
- Positions that do not require, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree in a specialty field.
- General administrative positions, or those that do not meet the regulatory minimum requirements for a professional, specialty field. If a Bachelor’s degree is required, but the field is not specified, or if the job could be equally well filled by individuals with bachelor’s degrees in a variety of unrelated fields, it will not qualify.
- Positions that are not paid solely by USC payroll – for example, Fellowships and similar positions where 3rd parties pay stipends, etc.