The Office of International Affairs (OIA) has transitioned to providing services for scholars and our campus community via email and phone. These changes are based on university requirements that faculty and staff telecommute and only critical services be maintained on campus.

Scholar immigration specialists will be available by email (preferred) and phone Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

We are still accepting J-1 scholar and H-1B cases via IntBuckeye. However, printing of all DS-2019 immigration documents for J-1 scholars will be delayed. Additionally, since our physical office location in Enarson is closed, we are unable to offer pick-ups of documents such as DS-2019s and I-797 approval notices. We are currently exploring options for urgent situations and will update you when we have more information.  

Helpful Guidelines for Scholars 

• We will continue essential actions in the SEVIS system for J-1 scholars, such as J-1 extensions and departure notifications, ensuring the J-1 scholar’s immigration record will not be jeopardized.
• We will continue using IntBuckeye for J-1 extension requests and departure notifications and H-1B case submissions. 
• Since our physical office location in Enarson is closed, we are unable to:
  • Conduct in-person J-1 orientations
  • Print DS-2019 immigration documents
  • Offer pick-ups of documents such as social security number letters, DS-2019s and H-1B I-797 approval notices  
• We are currently exploring options for obtaining documents for urgent situations. Contact us and we will work with you to provide options.
• If you are unable to connect with our office before departing the U.S. due to an emergency, note that J-1 scholars can depart the United States without a travel signature on their DS-2019s, and H-1B employees can depart without I-797 approval notice.  

Helpful Guidelines for Human Resources Professionals 

• Essential actions in the SEVIS system will be performed such as J-1 extensions so the J-1 scholar’s immigration record will not be jeopardized.
• J-1 scholars who may leave the country urgently without a travel signature can do so. We will work with them to provide options.
• For the majority of our services, the most efficient way for OIA to assist you will be via email, contact iss@osu.edu.