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 will continue to be open in the new year, and classes will take place through a mix of in-person, online and blended teaching during Spring 2022. The Office of International Affairs will conduct international student orientation and mandatory immigration check-in virtually via CarmenZoom.

International student orientation and mandatory immigration check-in are two separate processes, and students are require to complete both. For immigration check-in specifically, students must first be in the United States to complete mandatory immigration check-in with the Office of International Affairs.

According to the current U.S. Immigration COVID-19 policies in place for the Spring 2022 semester, students entering the U.S. under an initial immigration record must be enrolled in at least 1 academic credit hour of an in-person or hybrid-delivery course. Initial students should not be entirely enrolled in online or distance learning credits. Students transferring-in from another U.S. institution to Ohio State can be enrolled entirely in online or distance learning credits should they wish to be, although not required. The Office of International Affairs will communicate any updates for spring semester as they become available.

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.
• Provide up-to-date information regarding specific requirements and considerations sorrounding COVID-19.
• Prepare students for the transition to college life.
• Introduce future Ohio State Buckeyes to important resources available to them.

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 hours of operation 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

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