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:

Our office offers drop-in services during the posted drop-in hours only. If you need assistance outside of those hours, please contact our office to schedule an appointment. To ensure staff availability, we are unable to accommodate unscheduled walk-in visits outside of our designated drop-in hours.

If you believe your questions or situation will require more than a brief visit, please schedule an appointment by email:

 

f1admission@cscc.edu  – Prospective or newly admitted F-1 students seeking assistance with the F-1 admission process, I-20 requirements, required documents, and next steps before beginning studies at Columbus State.

jtang4@cscc.edu – Current F-1 students with questions about maintaining F-1 status, travel, employment authorization, program extensions, reduced course loads, transfers, OPT/CPT, or other immigration-related concerns.

You may request either an in-person or virtual meeting so we can provide the time and assistance you need.

Drop-In Hours

Location: lower level of Madison Hall

(For quick questions, 10-15 minutes maximum)

F1 admission

Tuesdays and Thursdays
10 am - noon and 1 - 3 pm

Current or returning F-1 students

By appointment only. Contact jtang4@cscc.edu 

 

Note: Our staff cannot provide legal advice. Immigration regulations may change with little or no notice. For legal guidance, please consult an experienced immigration attorney. All decisions regarding immigration status and benefits are made by U.S. authorities, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State (DOS).  

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Staff

JoYin Tang, Supervisor and current F1 student advisor (PDSO)

JoYin is the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO), Supervisor of Global and International Student Services, and the Instructor for Chinese at Columbus State Community College. She provides immigration advising and support services to international students on F1 visas, helping students understand and navigate U.S. immigration regulations and how to maintain their status.

She previously served as a Community College Representative in NAFSA Region VI (Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana), was the Former Chair for NAFSA Community College Institutional Interest Group, and mentored for the NAFSA Diversity Impact Program.

She originates from Taipei, Taiwan, and her cultural background is enriched by influences from both China and Japan.  JoYin earned her B.A degree in Music and a B.A. degree in Communication from Southern Illinois University, a B.S. degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and an M.S. degree in Educational Administration from University of Wisconsin – Madison.  JoYin studied abroad in England.   She enjoys traveling, trying new foods, working with international students, and learning about other cultures.

 

Candace Allen, Coordinator (DSO)

Candace is the Coornidator for students seeking to study under the F-1 visa. She assists prospective students with gaining admission to Columbus State, including those applying from outside the U.S., transferring from another US college/university, or changing their U.S. immigration status to F-1. Candace reviews applications and provides guidance throughout the enrollment process and your transition to the United States. After earning her bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University, Candace moved to Madrid, Spain to teach English as a second language and later obtained a master’s degree in International Education from the Universidad de Alcalá de Henares. Having experienced life as an international student herself, she is dedicated to making your transition to the U.S. and Columbus State as smooth and stress-free as possible.