Dear Future Student

Greetings from the Office of International Affairs at The Ohio State University. Although the university still has to decide whether classes will be taken in-person during autumn 2020, the Office of International Affairs will conduct international student orientation and mandatory immigration check-in virtually.

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

In the meantime, please explore our website, and you are always welcome to email us at iss@osu.edu.

In response to significant worldwide challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Department of State has temporarily suspended routine visa services at all U.S. Embassies and Consulates. As resources allow, overseas consulates and embassies will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but are unable to provide a specific date at this time.

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

In the case of in-person classes, all new international students (including those returning from a leave of absence) will be required to complete a tuberculosis test before their arrival to The Ohio State University. Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease of the lungs that is easily spread from one person to another. To avoid widespread infection across the university, all new international students must complete a TB test to confirm they do not have an active form of the disease.

TB test requirements:

• If possible, the TB test should be completed before arrival to The Ohio State University
• Ohio State's Student Health Services can provide in-person TB tests for any student who is unable to complete this in their home country before arrival
• The TB test must be completed no more than six months prior to the semester start date (March 2020 or later)
• Either a negative TB skin test (PPD) or a negative TB blood test (IGRA, QFT-G, T-spot) is acceptable
• A positive TB test requires completion of a new chest x-ray to confirm the disease is not active
• Document the TB test on the second page of the vaccination requirement form for international students
• Submit the document to My BuckMD or email it to vaccination@osu.edu as an image or PDF attachment—documentation must be in English, or a translation must accompany any foreign-language document

In addition to the Tuberculosis test, all new students must complete the Vaccination Requirement prior to the start of their first semester. Please have a medical provider complete the vaccination requirement form for international students.

Vaccination requirement:

• First, check your family records to see if you have already completed some of these vaccines in your childhood
• Have a doctor, nurse practitioner or registered nurse fill out the vaccination requirement form with their signature at the bottom
• When the document is complete, submit it to My BuckMD or email it to vaccination@osu.edu as an image or PDF attachment

Join the New Ohio State International Students - 2020 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!

The Global Engagement team oversees all orientation and social programs both before the semester begins and during the academic year. There are a few engagement opportunities this summer:

• Online Speed Friending – every Wednesday, 6 p.m. EST
• Online Game Night – every Thursday, 6 p.m. EST
• Virtual International Film Series – every fourth Wednesday of the month, 7 p.m. EST

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.

• Pre-Arrival FAQ
• Global Engagement
• Office of International Affairs Facebook
• Global Engagement Facebook
• Ohio State International Affairs Twitter
• OSUGlobal Instagram