Please note: Your admission letter from the Ohio University Graduate College indicates your program of study at Ohio University. The name of the program listed on your I-20 may be different, as the SEVIS system uses a set of codes for a variety of majors. This may not be an exact match to the major program listed on your letter of admission.
Newly Admitted International Students
International Immigration Process - Next Steps
Newly Admitted International Students
Welcome!
We are happy you will be joining us at Ohio University and hope you find your time here academically and personally rewarding. Now that you have been admitted, the resources below will help get you started.
We are sure you must have many questions. International Student and Scholar Services Arrival and Orientation will provide you with information on the following topics:
- before you leave
- travel arrangements
- if you are bringing your family, after your arrival
- what to expect in Athens
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services requires that Ohio University establishes that you as a student have sufficient funds for the first year (two semesters-excluding the optional summer term) of study before a Certificate of Eligibility can be issued.
Types Of Student Visas
F-1
The majority of international students pursuing Language Training, Bachelor, Master, or Doctoral programs at Ohio University typically apply for F-1 visas. Spouses and children of F-1 visa holders are assigned an F-2 visa. Students issued a form I-20 by Ohio University will apply for F-1 visas in order to enter the United States.
J-1
J-1 visas are given to students who are sponsored by government agencies or universities, often through existing Exchange agreements with Ohio University and their home educational institution. Spouses and children of these visitors are assigned J-2 visas. Students issued a form DS-2019 by Ohio University will apply for J-1 visas in order to enter the United States.
How to Request Your I-20
Learn all the steps you'll need to follow and requirements for requesting your I-20.
How To Request Your DS-2019
1. Calculate Funding in iCats
The following Total Funding information must be included in iCats Services eForm when requesting a DS-2019.
Note: To complete your request in iCats, you must be an admitted student.
| Description | Column 1: 3 Semesters (Only use for summer start and other cases where summer enrollment is mandatory in the coming year) | Column 2: 2 Semesters (For standard fall and spring admits) |
|---|---|---|
| A. Stipend | A1. Amount in Award Letter | A2. Amount in Award Letter |
| B. Instructional and General Fees (tuition) | B1. $14,166 | B2. $9,444 |
| C. Non-resident Surcharge | C1. $11,988 | C2. $7,992 |
| D. Health Insurance | D1. $2,856 | D2. $2,112 |
| Total Funding = A + B + C + D | Column 1 Total funding = A1 + B1 + C1 + D1 | Column 2 Total Funding = A2 + B2 + C2 + D2 |
2. Obtain Your Certificate of Eligibility (DS-2019)
For information about obtaining a DS-2019, contact the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).
Estimated Expenses
View a breakdown of estimated graduate student expenses to help you plan for your time at Ohio University.
I-20 Document Submission Deadlines
Financial (and academic) documents required to issue an Ohio University I-20 are due by the following dates* or no less than three months prior to the start of your first semester:
- Fall admission - May 15
- Spring admission - October 15
- Summer I admission - January 31
- Summer II admission - April 3
For information about obtaining a DS-2019, contact the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).
*Subject to change without notice due to law or policy changes.
Graduate College Reporting Dates
International students must arrive on the Athens campus by the Report Date listed for the Admission Term. This will ensure sufficient time for pre-term orientation and any paperwork and/or testing requirements. It also allows time for move-in.
| Admission Term | Report Date | Classes Begin |
|---|---|---|
Spring 2024 | Sunday, January 7, 2024 | Tuesday, January 16, 2024 |
Summer 2024 | Wednesday, May 8, 2024 | Monday, May 13, 2024 |
| Fall 2024 | Sunday, August 11, 2024 | Monday, August 26, 2024 |
| Spring 2025 | Sunday, January 5, 2025 | Monday, January 13, 2025 |
| Summer 2025 | Wednesday, May 7, 2025 | Monday, May 12, 2025 |
| Fall 2025 | Sunday, August 17, 2025 | Monday, August 25, 2025 |
| Spring 2026 | Tuesday, January 6, 2026 | Monday, January 12, 2026 |
| Summer 2026 | Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | Monday, May 11, 2026 |
| Fall 2026 | Sunday, August 16, 2026 | Monday, August 24, 2026 |
Orientation/Registration
All international students must check in with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) and attend the mandatory orientation. You will not be able to register for classes until after you have checked in.
Admitted Students: Submitting Official International Documents?
You have three options to submit the official academic documents listed in your My OHIO Student Center To-Do List. Visit the following page and select the "After Admission" tab: