Citizenship Verification

USC students must present proof of citizenship or lawful presence in the U.S. before enrolling. This policy has been adopted by the University in order to comply with section 59-101-430 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, as amended, which requires that lawful presence in the United States is verified before enrollment at any public institution of higher education. Verification of immigration status for non-citizens will be conducted by International student officials. For other students, a proof of citizenship verification process has been adopted to deter and prevent false claims of citizenship by unlawful aliens attempting to evade the eligibility requirements of section 59-101-430. Students who are not verified as citizens during the Federal Financial Aid Application (FAFSA) process must present the USC’s Citizenship Status Verification form and one of the following acceptable documents:

• Copy of the South Carolina driver’s license if the student first became a licensed driver in the state after January 1, 2002;
• A Certified Birth Certificate indicating that you were born in the United States or a territory of the United States;
• Current U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport that has not been expired more than 10 years;
• Certificate of Naturalization — USCIS Form (N-550 or N-570);
• U.S. government issued Consular Report of Birth Abroad;
• Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561);
• Unexpired U.S. Active Duty/Retiree/Reservist Military ID Card (DOD DD-2)

The University can accept photocopies of birth certificates and other citizenship documents so long as we reserve the right to demand production of the certified original in the event there are any questions about whether the copy is true and accurate, or in the event any of the information on the copy is unreadable.
For more information: http://registrar.sc.edu/html/citizenshipverification.stm