F-1 and J-1 immigration regulations have layers of complexities, and ISSS’s compliance role is to interpret and apply those regulations for OHIO students. Immigration rules may vary depending on a student’s academic program and curricular requirements.
The Department of Homeland Security and Department of State allow schools some discretion in interpretation of regulations, as they trust institutions to know the curricular requirements better than the federal government. For this reason, the DHS and DOS require schools to have Designated School Officials and Responsible Officers to provide immigration guidance to students.
If students have concerns or questions, please send them to ISSS; the advising staff are here to support students in navigating their immigration requirements.
While there is much more to know and learn about international students, the information on this page is meant to serve as an overview for faculty and staff.
More detailed information can be found in the current international student sections of the ISSS website. You may also contact the ISSS team for additional support.
The majority of international students 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.
Most international students pursuing language training, or a bachelor, master or doctoral program at OHIO typically apply for F-1 visas.
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.
If admitted, students holding other visa types may attend Ohio University. 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.
Federal regulations place many limitations on both visa categories, and as a result, not every program at OHIO will be able to bring students on an F-1 or J-1 visa.
Thinking about creating a new program or making changes to an existing program? Reach out to us at isss@ohio.edu and we will be happy to talk through the impact on current or future international students!
Do you have international students that you work with or support? Curious about the immigration regulations that may impact your students?
Wondering if your international students can attend conferences, publish their research, or work off-campus?
Our hiring page may be just what you are looking for! Not only do we lay out the regulations that international student must adhere to but we have a handy FAQ that will help you to better understand the nuances of working with international students!
Federal regulations strictly limit the circumstances in which an F-1 student can enroll less than full-time. Learn more about F-1 student program enrollment requirements and available options for reduced enrollment, including instances such as academic difficulties, medical needs and completing their final semester.
While studying in the U.S., F-1 students are limited to specific employment types, including on-campus employment, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). Learn more about F-1 student employment options and related requirements on the F-1 Student Employment page.
While traveling in or outside of the U.S., F-1 students must adhere to specific rules and regulations to maintain their visa status. Learn more about what types of documents F-1 visa holders need to travel on the F-1 Student Travel page.
Federal regulations strictly limit the circumstances in which a J-1 student can enroll less than full-time. Learn more about J-1 student program enrollment requirements and available options for reduced enrollment, including instances such as academic difficulties, medical needs and completing their final semester.
While studying in the U.S., J-1 students are limited to specific employment types, including on-campus employment and academic training. Learn more about J-1 student employment options and related requirements on the J-1 Student Employment page.
While traveling in or outside of the U.S., J-1 visa holders must adhere to specific rules and regulations to maintain their visa status. Learn more about what types of documents J-1 visa holders need to travel on the J-1 Student Travel page.
For some students, traveling outside of the US can be a stressful, and even risky experience. The U.S. State Department issues visas of different lengths to different students.
Sometimes the visa does not last as long as the academic program. In that scenario, if a student travels abroad they must apply for a new visa at a U.S. embassy. While it is not common for a continuing student to be denied a visa, there is always a risk of denial. Without that visa, the student may not return to the country to resume their degree.
If you find that a student has concerns about traveling overseas, please encourage them to connect with an ISSS advisor.
If you would like additional support to learn about inviting an international student to OHIO, the ISSS team offers many options for training and consultation.