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Visa Information

Visa Information

A visa is an entry document that you must apply for at a consulate outside of the United States. This document is added to your passport and serves as permission to request entry at your initial U.S. entry port.

Types of Visa

The majority of international students and scholars at OHIO hold either an F-1 or J-1 visa. An F-1 visa allows an academic student to enter the U.S. as a full-time student at an accredited academic institution or language training program. The J-1 visa allows an academic student, typically sponsored by an educational or non-profit institution, to enter the U.S. as a full-time student. 

The ISSS team is not able to provide advice on visas other than F or J.

F-1 Visa

Most international students pursuing language training, or a bachelor, master or doctoral program at OHIO typically apply for F-1 visas. 

  • Visas For Spouses and Children: Spouses and children of F-1 visa holders are assigned an F-2 visa.
  • Required Certificate of Eligibility: Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student (F-1) Status

J-1 Visa

J-1 visas are given to students who are sponsored by government agencies or universities, often through existing exchange agreements with ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ and their home educational institution.

  • Visas For Spouses and Children: Spouses and children of J-1 visa holders are assigned J-2 visas.
  • Required Certificate of Eligibility: Form DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status

Other Visa Types

If admitted, students holding other visa types may attend ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ. It is the student's responsibility to confirm that university study is appropriate for the visa held. 

The ISSS team is not able to advise on visas other than the F or J.

  • Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or DS2019)

    Before you can begin the process of acquiring a visa, you will need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). A Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, is a document issued by a U.S. educational institution certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) or the Department of State (DOS) to international students accepted into a full-time academic or language program. It serves as proof of acceptance and demonstrates that the student has the financial resources to cover their educational and living expenses while studying in the U.S

    You can join a university as a student in F-1 status using an I-20 or in J-1 status using a DS-2019. You will also need a this document for other important steps in the arrival process. 

    The ISSS team does note create initial immigration documents. See the link below if you have not received your I-20 or DS2019 yet.

    Certificate of Eligibility

How To Obtain an Entry Visa

Once you have been admitted to the University and complete all of the necessary requirements, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Graduate College or the Ohio Program of Intensive English (OPIE) will provide you with one of the following Certificate of Eligibility (COE) documents:

  • Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student (F-1) Status
  • Form DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status

After obtaining the appropriate COE document, follow the steps to obtain your visa.

1) Pay Your SEVIS Fee Online

All admitted international students in F-1 and J-1 status are required to pay the United States federal SEVIS I-901 fee upon receipt of their form I-20 (for F-1 students) or DS-2019 (for J-1 students).

Students are required to enter their SEVIS ID number as well as basic biographical information when registering to pay their fee. Information and fee payment information is available on the on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement site. 

The SEVIS fee is a required fee and proof of fee payment is necessary in order to apply for a visa to enter the United States prior to enrollment at ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ.

2) Complete Your DS-160 Application

is submitted to the U.S. Department of State. Consular Officers use the information entered on the DS-160 to process the visa application and, combined with a personal interview, determine an applicant’s eligibility for a nonimmigrant visa. Please know that you must submit your DS-160 to be able to schedule your visa interview. 

Key DS-160 questions and further information:

Social Media

  • List all accounts as the US goverment does a social media review and will find them.
    • If you are comfortable with your grandmother reading what you posted online then you should be good. 

Previous Visa Refusal? 

  • If you have been refused a visa in the past - BE HONEST - they already know. 

Family in the US? 

  • If you have family - BE HONEST - and give as much information as you can - the US gov't probably already knows.

Previous arrest or conviction? 

  • Consult an immigration attorney before completing the DS-160.

3) Schedule Your Visa Interview

You must schedule your visa interview with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. For those residing in countries without a US embassy or consulate, you must contact US embassies or consulates in neighboring countries in order to schedule your interview.

4) Prepare Your Interview Documents

Prior to your interview, prepare your interview documents. When you appear for your interview, make sure that you take your documents with you.

  1. ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ's Form I-20 or DS-2019
  2. Valid passport for travel to the United States with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the U.S.
  3. Payment receipt for the SEVIS I-901 fee
  4. Receipt for DS-160 visa application
  5. Evidence of your funding. This evidence should match the funding information submitted with your admission documents which is also displayed on your immigration document

As you prepare for your interview, you can also review these resources:

  • – NAFSA serves the needs of more than 10,000 members and international educators worldwide and is the leading organization committed to international education and exchange, working to advance policies and practices that build global citizens with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in today's interconnected world.
    • Please review the 
  • – Argo is your team of Former Visa Officers here to provide you the resources, information, preparation and practice you need to pass your U.S. visa interview 

5) Attend Your Interview

When you appear for your interview, make sure that you take all documents noted in step 4. Additionally, make sure to take any specific documents required by your consular office or the type of visa you are applying for. 

Remember: 

  • Be Positive
  • Remind the officer why you are applying for the F-1 visa
  • Be ready to explain your plan for your degree

6) Receive and Review Your Visa

After you receive your entry visa, review it carefully to confirm that the information on your visa stamp matches what is on your I-20 or DS-2019 and/or passport.

Common Visa Questions

Does Every F or J Student Need a Visa To Enter the U.S.?

No. Citizens of Canada and Bermuda are not required to obtain a visa for entry.

Can I Enter the U.S. With an Expired Visa?

No. Your visa must be valid to enter the U.S. Please make note of this when you plan to travel home for breaks or abroad for research.

What's Next?

  • Traveling to Campus

    After you acquire your COE and Visa, you can begin preparing to make your journey to campus. Learn more about preparing for departure and making travel arrangements, what to pack in your luggage and the U.S. Port of Entry process on the Traveling to Campus page.

    Traveling to Campus

  • International Student Orientation

    All international students and scholars are required to complete International Student Orientation. Aside from completing orientation after arriving to campus, there are modules you must complete prior to arriving to campus.

    International Student Orientation