All incoming exchange students (except those who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents) will be issued a Form DS-2019 at the time of admission, which allows you to apply for a J-1 visa at your local U.S. consulate or embassy. You will then enter the United States in J-1 status, and be expected to maintain that status throughout your time at Ohio State.
For complete details on immigration matters, please see the OIA website. Information specifically on the visa application process, and travel the U.S., can be found on this page.
At your initial exchange student meeting on Thursday, August 20, immigration regulations will be reviewed. There is also an extensive immigration presentation as part of New International Student Orientation (date will be determined by your Immigration Check-In date).
Throughout your time at Ohio State, whenever you have questions related to your DS-2019, your visa, travel outside the U.S., or the terms of your J-1 status, you are welcome to meet with an immigration coordinator during OIA’s walk-in advising hours, Monday – Thursday, 1 – 4 p.m., in 140 Enarson Classroom Building. You can also e-mail Caroline Omolesky at omolesky.2@osu.edu to schedule an appointment.