International Student Check-In and Orientation

Dear Victor,

Mandatory Immigration Check-In and International Student Orientation are two separate but crucial processes of getting started as a new international student at The Ohio State University. Both are required, and you must complete Mandatory Immigration Check-In to maintain your immigration status.

During Mandatory Immigration Check-In and International Student Orientation, you can learn more about the university, meet fellow new students and get connected with resources around campus.

Mandatory Immigration Check-In

International students who arrive in the United States are required to attend Mandatory Immigration Check-in to complete your enrollment requirements. Mandatory Immigration Check-In is a separate process from Orientation. You will complete your Mandatory Immigration Check-In after arriving in the United States.

Check-in will take place July 29-August 16 virtually. It is of utmost importance that you complete your check-in with us.

Register for an appointment now. Please note that check-in appointments are only available Monday through Friday.

We want to minimize the number of canceled immigration check-in appointments and allow students that have the required documents to find available appointments. Canadian students do not need a visa to make an appointment. We ask that you only register for an appointment if you have:

• A valid visa, or
• A confirmed visa appointment with an embassy or consulate before August 20

International Student Orientation

Orientation will take place in two phases. First, online orientation will take place through CarmenCanvas, Ohio State’s online learning management system. Second, students will attend an in-person Mandatory Navigation Session in the weeks leading up to fall semester. New and transfer international students are required to complete both phases.

On July 15, you will be automatically enrolled in online orientation through CarmenCanvas. Please note:

• You DO NOT have to register since you will be automatically enrolled. You will receive an enrollment confirmation email along with instructions through your Buckeyemail account when online orientation opens.
• You must complete your self-guided orientation by Sunday, August 18. The Office of International Affairs will be automatically notified of your completion.

The Office of International Affairs will host in-person Mandatory Navigation Sessions. Each session will be 30 minutes and take place July 29-August 19 in 160 Enarson Classroom Building. Please attend a session within 48-72 hours of your arrival in Columbus. You will be able to select what day you attend when you register.

Register for a session.

The Office of International Affairs will host additional workshops and social events for new international students July 29-August 18. A full schedule of workshops and social events, including instructions for registering and links to CarmenZoom sessions, will be available in your online orientation calendar.

During your Mandatory Navigation Session, you'll be able to pick up the International Student Orientation Event Passport. This passport allows you to track event attendance – the more events you attend, the greater chance you'll have of winning prizes!

Please email global-engagement@osu.edu with any orientation questions.

Missed a pre-arrival email?

The Office of International Affairs sends weekly pre-arrival emails to address the most important topics for incoming international students and help prepare for your transition to campus. Each email covers different topics you need to know before starting the semester and is archived on our website.

Additional resources

Visit our website to review information and learn more about life at Ohio State and the United States. If you don't find what you're looking for, contact iss@osu.edu with any immigration questions and global-engagement@osu.edu with general orientation and arrival questions.

• Pre-Arrival Frequently Asked Questions
• Academics
• Life at Ohio State
• Global Engagement
• Maintaining Your Immigration Status
• Campus Resources