Visiting International Program (VIP) for Lawyers
The Visiting International Program for Lawyers (VIP) helps legal and business professionals from around the world conduct research in ways that are beneficial to USC, while allowing them to build a broad foundation of knowledge of the laws and legal system of the United States.
Beginning in Fall 2026, the program will transition from a non-degree student program to a research-focused program. As established by the DoS’s Exchange Visitor Program, J-1 Research Scholars are expected to engage in a structured research activity that supports the specific educational and research objectives of the host institution. At USC, the proposed research should also be collaboratively developed and supported by both the Faculty Advisor and the prospective J-1 scholar.
To satisfy the VIP requirements, participants will be required to submit a research paper detailing the research they completed during their program and articulating how this research benefits USC. Participants who satisfy the program requirements will receive a Certificate of Completion. Please note that VIP coursework may not be used toward a degree at USC.
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Full-Time | On-Campus | 1 Year | Fall | Spring |
Why Choose VIP at USC Gould?
As a VIP participant, you will have the opportunity to benefit from:
- Our Academic Excellence Program
- Individualized career development advisement
- U.S. bar exam workshops
- USC Gould Continuing Legal Education events, where you can network with leading professionals in tax, entertainment, corporate, real estate and intellectual property law, among other fields
- Social and athletic outings with fellow Graduate & International Programs students, including a night at the Hollywood Bowl, a USC Trojan football game and a baseball game at LA Dodgers stadium.
Our Office of International Services provides additional resources to assist you with visa and other requirements for studying in the U.S. The university also maintains international offices in Beijing, Hong Kong, Mexico City, Mumbai, Seoul, Shanghai and Taipei.
VIP Courses and Duration
VIP students may participate in the program for up to one year.
Fees
The fee for our VIP is $15,000 for two semesters plus mandatory $175 Graduate and International Program fee. Also, a $250 processing fee from our Office of International Services (OIS) for the issuance of the DS-2019 visa document for the J-1 visa will be charged to VIP students. VIP students are responsible for budgeting additional funds for living expenses, books and supplies. The fees are subject to change.
Application Process
We recommend that you apply for VIP before March 1 for the fall term (August start) and October 1 for the spring term (January start) by completing the VIP application.
The VIP application requires:
- $75 application fee (non-refundable fee which must be paid by credit card, cashier's check or money order)
- Personal Statement describing applicant’s interest in our program
- Research Proposal describing applicant’s topic of research and how it relates to USC
- TOEFL or IELTS Score Report (which can also be waived with a documented interview)
- Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
- Financial Support Documentation (see section 6 on the application form)
- Passport copy of applicant and any dependent(s) traveling together (photo page only)
- Scanned copies from the post-secondary institutions attended
To qualify for VIP admission, you must have earned a bachelor’s degree and have legal work experience, but a law degree is not required.
Admission Decisions
Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis, as applications are received. You will be notified of an admissions decision via email in approximately two to three weeks of your application completion date. No admissions decisions will be released over the phone. We will contact you if the Admissions Committee feels that a telephone or an in-person interview is necessary.
If you have any questions about our VIP, please contact us at gipadmissions@law.usc.edu.
USC Gould School of Law
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Los Angeles, California 90089-0071
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