Pre-Arrival Information - Autumn Semester 2021 at Ohio State

OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

International Student
Check-In and Orientation

Autumn 2021

Dear Future Student

Greetings from the Office of International Affairs (OIA) at The Ohio State University. While information surrounding COVID-19 continues to evolve, please know that our highest priority is the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff. We are monitoring the global outbreak and are taking appropriate steps to ensure the well-being of the campus community.

Ohio State is preparing to offer significantly more in-person classes and robust in-person experiences autumn semester. All decisions will be made in partnership with and approval of local, state and federal health authorities. Learn more about the university’s plan for the 2021-2021 academic year.

The Office of International Affairs will conduct International Student Orientation and Mandatory Immigration Check-In virtually. International Student Orientation and Mandatory Immigration Check-In are two separate processes, and students are required to complete both.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been adjustments by the Student and Visitor Exchange Program (SEVP) to the online credit maximum to allow for more flexibility. These adjustments will continue for the 2021-22 academic year.

Visit our Autumn 2021 Updates page for more information.

The Office of International Affairs encourages all students to arrive 2-3 weeks before the start of classes on August 24 in order to complete Mandatory Orientation and Immigration Check-In. We know students may face issues securing visa appointments as U.S. consulates work through significant backlogs, but it's important that students continue to try and schedule a visa appointment as soon as possible. We understand that this is a challenging time, but please know that the Office of International Affairs is here to assist you in any way possible.

Over the next few months we will send you weekly emails to help you plan for beginning your academic journey at Ohio State.

These emails are designed to:

Address the most important topics for incoming international students.
Prepare students for the transition to campus.
Introduce future Ohio State Buckeyes to what awaits them on campus!

We look forward to sending you more detailed information in our upcoming pre-arrival emails. In the meantime, please explore our website and answers to frequently asked questions, and you are always welcome to email us at iss@osu.edu.

Learn More

Applying for a U.S. Visa

In response to significant worldwide challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Department of State may only be conducting emergency appointments for interviews at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. The process to request an expedited nonimmigrant visa interview varies by location.

Individuals interested in the operations of a particular post should contact that embassy or consulate directly. Contact information for embassies and consulates worldwide is available at usembassy.gov. News and updates about U.S. consulate policies, procedures and requirements can be obtained from the U.S. Department of State.

Applicants for student visas usually apply at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country of their permanent residence. Although visa applicants may apply at any U.S. consular office, it may be more difficult to qualify for the visa outside the country of permanent residence.

Required documents/evidence:

I-20 or DS-2019
Evidence of financial ability to meet expenses
Evidence of English ability sufficient for course of study
Evidence of intent to depart the United States after completion of studies
Passport valid for at least 6 months
Photograph (check with embassy for specific dimensions)
SEVIS Fee payment proof - Current SEVIS Fee Information

Contact iss@osu.edu with questions.

Vaccination Requirement: Tuberculosis Testing

As a part of the mandatory Vaccination Requirement, international students who arrive in Columbus and have the potential of visiting Ohio State’s campus must complete Tuberculosis (TB) testing to eliminate the possibility of active TB infections on campus. This is required of all new international students, any returning international student after spending one semester or more in their home country or abroad and any international student switching from an undergraduate degree program to a graduate-level program.

To protect you and other students during the COVID-19 pandemic, Student Life Student Health Services will NOT be hosting in-person group health screens this year to assist with completing the TB test requirement. It is highly recommended that all international students complete their TB test before their arrival to the university. Either a TB skin test (PPD) or a TB blood test completed within six months of the semester start date is acceptable for the requirement.

PLEASE NOTE: you must wait 30 days after any COVID-19 vaccine to complete a TB test. Tuberculosis tests completed within 30 days of a COVID-19 vaccine will be considered invalid and will need repeated to meet the requirement.

You will be receiving a secure message from Student Life Student Health Services via My BuckMD web portal in the next few weeks with information on how to complete and submit the Tuberculosis test for the university requirement. Please read this message and complete any associated electronic forms as soon as possible to avoid having an academic hold placed on your BuckeyeLink account, which will prevent you from scheduling classes, viewing your grades, or receiving your transcripts.

Contact preventivemedicine@osu.edu with any questions.

Connect with Other Buckeyes Online

Join the New Ohio State International Students - 2021 Facebook group using your Ohio State email. The group will post about events happening during orientation, and you can meet and chat with your fellow new Buckeyes!

Additional Resources

Visit our website to review information from previous emails and/or answers to frequently asked questions. If you don't find what you're looking for, contact iss@osu.edu.

Please allow us to join the other offices on campus in congratulating you on your acceptance to The Ohio State University.

Kind regards,
Office of International Affairs

2009 Millikin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210

oia@osu.edu

osu.edu

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