Office of International Affairs

Orientation

Note: International Student Orientation and Immigration Check-In are two separate processes, and students are required to complete both.

Orientation will introduce you to Ohio State, provide important information and help you become familiar with available resources. Through orientation, you will learn about:

  • Maintaining your immigration status
  • Academic requirements and success strategies
  • Life on campus and outside the classroom
  • Health insurance and screening requirements
  • Campus health and safety
  • Housing and dining services

For help accessing CarmenCanvas, refer to the Get Started Guide. If you have problems accessing CarmenCanvas or CarmenZoom, contact the OTDI Help Desk at ServiceDesk@osu.edu or call 614-688-4357 (HELP).

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Immigration Check-In Process

The U.S. federal government requires that you complete Immigration Check-In with the Office of International Affairs before you start your course of study.

Autumn semester 2024

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.

Part one: Online orientation

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.

Part two: Mandatory Navigation Session (in-person)

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.

Register for a Mandatory Navigation 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.

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

Spring semester 2025

International Student Orientation is a two-step mandatory activity for all new and transfer international students that includes both an online and in-person learning experience.

Online orientation

Online orientation will open on Monday, December 2 and you should complete your self-guided orientation by January 5.

  • You will be automatically enrolled in the course on CarmenCanvas, Ohio State’s online learning platform
  • A confirmation email along with instructions will be sent to your BuckeyeMail account
  • The Office of International Affairs will be automatically notified when you complete the online orientation

Mandatory Navigation Session

The mandatory in-person Navigation Session will cover essential processes and important logistical information for your first few weeks of the semester.

Registration will open on Monday, December 2 for sessions to be held on Friday, January 3 or Sunday, January 5 in 160 Enarson Classroom Building. You are only required to sign up for one session.

Summer term 2024

Orientation will take place virtually through CarmenCanvas, Ohio State's online learning management system. You will be automatically registered for the orientation modules.

  • You DO NOT have to register since you will be automatically enrolled. You will receive an enrollment confirmation email with instructions through Buckeyemail on April 15, 2024.
  • Orientation is mandatory, and you should complete your self-guided orientation by May 6, 2024. The Office of International Affairs will be automatically notified of your completion.