New students often enter the university with their citizenship status pre-determined through the financial aid process. Others may have to complete the citizenship verification process. 

Non-US citizens at the Columbia campus should contact International Student and Scholar Support. Non-US citizens at system campuses should contact their international student services office.

Complete the Citizenship Verification Form

To complete the citizenship verification process, you must submit the Citizenship Verification Form. Note: if your citizenship was previously verified through the financial aid process, you will receive a message that your citizenship is verified, and no further steps are necessary.  

When completing the form, be prepared to supply one of the following documents*:

• South Carolina driver’s license.
• Certified Birth Certificate indicating you were born in the United States or a territory of the United States, with your given name and surname, date and place of birth, date the birth record was filed, and the seal or other certification of the official custodian of the certificate. 
• 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), or Unexpired U.S. Active Duty/Retiree/Reservist Military ID Card (DOD DD-2) 

*The University of South Carolina reserves the right to request the review of original and/or supporting documentation.