Contact Us
We are located on the lower level of Madison Hall at 518 E. Spring Street, Columbus, OH 43215 (also referenced as 518 Mt. Vernon Avenue).
Availability:
We offer different service options based on where you are in your international student journey.
Prospective and newly admitted F-1 students
If you are interested in applying to Columbus State as an F-1 international student or have already been admitted and are preparing to begin your studies, our F-1 Admission team can assist with:
- F-1 admission and application questions
- Form I-20 requirements
- Required admission and immigration documents
- Transfer-in and change-of-status admission processes
- Next steps before beginning your studies at Columbus State
Email: F1admission@cscc.edu
Current and returning F-1 students
Once you begin your studies at Columbus State, F-1 advising is available by appointment so we can better accommodate your class schedule and provide dedicated time to discuss your questions.
Current and returning F-1 students may schedule an appointment for assistance with:
- Maintaining F-1 status and enrollment requirements
- Travel and Form I-20 questions
- On-campus employment and Social Security Number documentation
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- Reduced Course Load (RCL) requests
- Program extensions
- SEVIS transfers
- Changes that may affect your F-1 status
- Other F-1 immigration-related questions
Email: jtang4@cscc.edu
Appointments may be held in person or virtually.
If you are unsure whether a planned enrollment, employment, travel, or academic change could affect your F-1 status, please contact us before making the change. Reaching out early gives us more time to review your situation and help you understand your options.
F1 Admission Drop-In Hours
Prospective and newly admitted F-1 students may visit during the following drop-in hours for brief questions about applying to Columbus State, admission requirements, required documents, and next steps.
Location: Lower Level, Madison Hall
Tuesdays and Thursdays
10 a.m.–noon and 1–3 p.m.
Drop-in visits are intended for brief questions and are generally limited to 10–15 minutes.
If your situation requires additional time, please email F1admission@cscc.edu to request an appointment.
Current or Returning F-1 Students
By appointment: Contact jtang4@cscc.edu
Meeting by appointment allows us to better accommodate your class schedule and make sure we have dedicated time to discuss your individual F-1 questions.
Immigration Advising Disclaimer
Global & International Student Services provides information and guidance to help students understand and maintain F-1 status based on the information available to our office and current federal laws, regulations, policies, and agency guidance.
Immigration laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and government guidance may change with little or no notice. Immigration matters may also vary based on individual circumstances. Information or guidance provided to one student should not be assumed to apply to another student's situation.
Information provided by Global & International Student Services is for educational and advising purposes and does not constitute legal advice, create an attorney-client relationship, or guarantee a particular immigration outcome. Students are responsible for maintaining their immigration status, meeting applicable requirements and deadlines, and providing complete and accurate information when seeking guidance from the College.
Students are encouraged to contact our office before taking actions that may affect their F-1 status. For case-specific legal questions, matters outside the scope of the College's F-1 advising responsibilities, or situations requiring legal interpretation or representation, students should consult a qualified immigration attorney or other appropriately authorized immigration representative.
Final determinations regarding immigration status, visa issuance, admission to the United States, employment authorization, immigration benefits, and other immigration matters are made by the appropriate U.S. government agencies, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Department of State (DOS), as applicable.
External websites and resources linked from Columbus State webpages are provided for informational purposes. Because external information may change, students should verify current requirements with the appropriate government agency or other authoritative source.
Last reviewed: September 2026
Staff
JoYin Tang
Supervisor and Principal Designated School Official (PDSO)
JoYin serves as Supervisor and Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) for Global & International Student Services. She brings more than 20 years of experience in international education and has served the Columbus State community since 2009. In her role, she provides leadership for services that help international, immigrant, and New American students navigate the College enrollment process and educational pathways. As PDSO, she also advises current F-1 students on maintaining their immigration status throughout their studies.
JoYin has been actively involved in the international education profession, previously serving as a Community College Representative for NAFSA Region VI and Chair of the NAFSA Community College Institutional Interest Group, as well as participating as a mentor in the NAFSA Diversity Impact Program.
Originally from Taipei, Taiwan, JoYin brings a multicultural background with Chinese and Japanese heritage and firsthand experience as both a former international student and immigrant. She pursued her higher education in the United States and participated in a short-term study abroad program in the United Kingdom. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Science in Educational Administration from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. These personal and cross-cultural experiences have shaped her understanding of the challenges students may face while adapting to a new country and educational system and continue to guide her commitment to serving Columbus State's diverse student community.
Candace Allen
Coordinator and Designated School Official (DSO)
Candace has been with Columbus State since 2018 and has dedicated her work to supporting
international students throughout their journey at the College. As a Coordinator and
Designated School Official (DSO), she supports prospective and newly admitted students
seeking to study at Columbus State in F-1 status, including students applying from
outside the United States, transferring from another U.S. college or university, or
seeking to change their immigration status to F-1. Candace provides guidance throughout
the F-1 admission and onboarding process and also serves as an advisor to the International
Student Association (ISA), supporting opportunities for international students to
connect, engage, and build community at Columbus State.
After earning her bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University, Candace moved to Madrid, Spain, where she taught English as a second language. She later earned a master's degree in International Education from the Universidad de Alcalá de Henares. Having experienced life as an international student herself, she brings that perspective to her work and is committed to helping students navigate their transition to Columbus State and the United States.