International Student Check-In and Orientation

Dear future Ohio State 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.

The Office of International Affairs will conduct International Student Orientation through a hybrid format 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.

The Office of International Affairs encourages all students to arrive 2-3 weeks before classes start on August 23 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.

Visit our Autumn 2022 Updates page for more information.

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!

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 August 1-22 virtually. It is of utmost importance that you complete your check-in with us.

Check-in registration is now open. Please note that check-in appointments are only availble Monday through Friday.

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 23

International Student Orientation

Orientation will take place through a hybrid format format in two phases. First, virtual orientation will take place through CarmenCanvas, Ohio State’s online learning management system. Second, the in-person orientation will take place over three days with the Office of International Affairs and your college after your immigration check-in and arrival to the United States. New and transfer international students are required to complete both phases.

Virtual orientation

On July 18, you will be automatically enrolled to complete the virtual, self-guided International Student Orientation component. 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 on July 18.
• Orientation is mandatory and you should complete your self-guided orientation by the start of your in-person orientation. The Office of International Affairs will be automatically notified of your completion.

• Check-in on August 1-5, attend Orientation #1 on August 8-10
• Check-in on August 8-9, attend Orientation #2 on August 10-12
• Check-in on August 10-12, attend Orientation #3 on August 15-17
• Check-in on August 15-16, attend Orientation #4 on August 17-19

Online ESL composition placement testing

Most international students will be required to take the online ESL Composition Placement Test. After you pay the university acceptance fees and if you are required to take the test, “ESL Test Required” will be listed on the To Do List of your Buckeye Link account and you will receive an email at your Ohio State email address from eslcomptest@osu.edu with detailed instructions for taking the test online prior to your arrival on campus. Please do not schedule an appointment to take the test until you receive the email detailing the procedure.

The testing times are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. The sooner you pay your university acceptance fees and schedule your placement test, the sooner you will know your placement score, and the sooner you will be able to enroll in courses. Early registration is highly encouraged as classes fill up quickly.

If you have questions about your ESL test, visit the Intercultural English Language Programs or contact eslcomptest@osu.edu.

Additional resources