ISS COVID-19 Information

Updates to this page will be made on an ongoing basis. Please see the date stamps for updated content.

Academic Break Travel Resources and Reminders

Outbound Travel

A negative COVID-19 test may be required to enter your final destination or transit country. The specific testing requirements vary, so it’s important to research the requirements and processes for your personal travel situation. Resources for travel guidance:
- U.N. International Air Transportation Destination Tracker - Country-specific information related to COVID-19
- Fly PDX - For departures from Portland International Airport (PDX)
- Your airline carrier and connecting airports should also provide travel advisories
- Your destination's embassy, consulate, or public health authority travel alerts
Find off-campus testing providers through Multnomah County's testing resources.
- International Student Services can provide a Trimet pass for travel at the ISS Office (GCC 104).
- Test types and turnaround time will vary by site.
- Most sites administer tests for free, but may require an advance appointment. Carry your health insurance card and ID (passport or Oregon ID) with you.

Return Travel for Spring 2023 Semester

ISS Travel Document Checklist
CDC COVID-19 Testing Requirement - As of winter 2023, the U.S. CDC is requiring certain travelers to show a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 2 days before boarding a flight to the United States. There is also an option for people who have documented recovery from COVID-19 in the past 90 days.
- To find COVID testing resources abroad, please check your country’s Ministry of Health page or this US Department of State Country Specific COVID-19 Resource Page
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
- Effective November 8, 2021, all non-U.S. citizen, nonimmigrants traveling to the United States by air are required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with limited exceptions
- In early January 2022, all non-U.S. citizen, nonimmigrants entering the U.S. via land travel and ferry travel from Canada and Mexico – whether for essential or non-essential reasons – will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19
If your spring semester return to campus is disrupted or delayed, please contact ISS as soon as possible so that we can support communication to campus stakeholders and offer advising regarding your student visa status.

section updated 10 January 2023

How does the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) guidance impact international student SEVIS records and reporting?

On April 26, 2021, SEVP confirmed that the pandemic guidance originally issued in March 2020 will extend through the 2021-2022 academic year.
Initial Status I-20s: Reed students arriving to the US for the first time in F-1 status, or students returning to campus after an leave of absence of more than 5 months
- Students intending to travel to Portland for Fall 2021: Reed will seeek to ensure that international students can secure at least one in-person course registration to meet SEVP guidelines. Students must enroll in at least one in-person course in order to be eligible to enter the US in F-1 status for the Fall 2021 semester. If you have not already, please contact iss@reed.edu for an updated electronic I-20 to indicate that you will attend a at least one in-person course.
- Students unable to travel to Portland for Fall 2021: Please contact iss@reed.edu as soon as possible if you know you will not attend courses in-person. Reed will aim to support your enrollment in online courses for the fall semester. The ISS Program Director will postpone your I-20 program start dates to reflect arrival for the Spring 2022 term. A new electronic I-20 will be issued to you. Your F-1 status will begin once you arrive in the United States.
Continuing Attendance I-20s: Returning Reed students who were in Active F-1 status as of March 9, 2020 and have maintained continuous full-time enrollment since Spring 2020.
- Students intending to return to Portland for Fall 2021: Students that have maintained an active SEVIS record since March 2020 may return to the US, even if participating in entirely online coursework for the Fall 2021 semester. If you are outside the US and plan to return for the Fall 2021 semester, please check the second page of your I-20 to ensure that you have a travel signature dated within the last calendar year. If you need an updated I-20 or travel signature, please contact iss@reed.edu as soon as possible.
- Students unable to return to Portland for Fall 2021: Students that have maintained an active SEVIS record since March 2020 may continue their F-1 status while outside the US by participating in online courses for the Fall 2021 semester. Students must maintain a full-time courseload (3 units unless otherwise authorized for a reduced courseload), and should continue to make normal program change or address change reporting to ISS.
See the Reed Magazine post "ICE Directive Threatens International Students" to read how President Audrey Bilger and the campus are supporting international students.

section updated 28 April 2021

Web resources with information about flight and travel restrictions:

Regarding entry to the United States:

Regarding global travel restrictions:

section updated 28 April 2021

What should international students expect for Fall 2021 International Student Orientation?

International Student Orientation (ISO) will take place from August 18-21 and is required for all F-1 and J-1 visa holders. International students not physically in Portland will have the opportunity to participate online in relevant sessions.
New international students and international students arriving to campus for the first time should plan to arrive on campus August 18 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Students will be allowed to return only during their assigned dates. International Student Services will arrange some opportunities for students to access Reed transportation from Portland International Airport and select airport area hotels on August 18th. More information regarding options and timing will be shared after ISO registration closes on July 15th. Please register for International Student Orientation to ensure that you receive updates regarding Reed transportation options.
International Student Orientation is required for any F-1 or J-1 student new to Reed College. Students in other visa statuses, or with dual US citizenship/residency are welcome to join us, but not required.
General New Student Orientation website.

section updated 15 June 2021

How will I receive my I-20 or DS-2019 (immigration documents)?

Students outside the US should contact ISS prior to planned travel. Students planning travel to the US with initial I-20s will need updated remarks indicating that a portion of their coursework will be in-person. Continuing Reed students will need a travel signature signed within the past year.
Under current guidance, SEVP is allowing I-20s to be issued electronically to students.
If you need to correct submitted information, please contact iss@reed.edu as soon as possible.

section updated 20 November 2020

What should I know in regards to visa applications and renewals?

As of March 20, 2020 the US Department of State suspended all routine visa services. Services and appointment availability are resuming on a country by country basis. Please contact the US Embassy/Consulate nearest to you to learn about reopening plans. Advance appointment booking or requests for expedited visa appointments may be available at some consulates. F-1 Students and J-1 Exchange Visitors within X days of their program start dates qualify for expedited appointments (each embassy/consulate sets the number of days (X) for expedited appointments; in most countries it's 60 days prior to the program start date).
Listing of US Embassy/Consulate information by country.
Students with a valid F-1 or J-1 visas already in their passport (even if another school is named) may use that visa to enter the US with their updated Reed I-20 or DS-2019.
Canadian passport holders will not need to apply for a US visa. Canadian students may enter the US with their passport and an updated I-20.
Per the SEVP COVID-19 Guidance guidance, all new Reed international students will need an updated initial I-20 with remarks regarding in-person study in order to enter the US. Please ensure that the I-20 you carry for travel has these remarks on page 1.
Review our overview of How to Get a Student Visa.

section updated 6 January 2021

What will I need to travel to Reed College?

In order to enter the United States, you will need to present your Reed I-20, initial students will need remarks on page 1 (for F-1 students) or DS-2019 (for J-1 Exchange students), an F-1 or J-1 visa with dates valid for your entry, and a valid passport. Visit our information page to learn more about travel documents.
Please review the local government guidance in Oregon and any other US State prior to travel. Certain travel, recreation, and businesses are restricted.

section updated 20 November 2020

My family has been financially impacted by COVID-19, are additional funds available?

If your family has been impacted financially, please visit our page of COVID-19 Financial Support for Students (scroll down the resource page) to learn more about the resources available to you.

section updated 7 July 2020

How can I stay connected to Reed and International Student Services?

Ongoing information about student mentor programs, virtual social events, and Gwen Sandford, ISS Program Director will be shared via the ISS Weekly emails, watch your Reed email for more.
The End of Semester & Summer Break Guide for Students is a comprehensive guide to campus resources and services available to students over the summer academic break.
We encourage you to explore Admissions’ Virtual Visit Page and connect with staff, faculty, and students!
Do you have questions not answered above? Request a phone/video chat with an international student advisor.
You are also invited to join the virtual Commencement ceremonies and celebrate our graduating Reedies.

section updated 15 June 2021

What if I need to postpone my start date or take a Leave of Absence from Reed College?

Students unable to arrive on-campus due to delayed visa issuance or travel restrictions may have options to attend classes virtually for Fall 2021. Please see the section above “How does the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) guidance impact international student SEVIS records and reporting" for more information regarding impact to your SEVIS record.
New Reed students should contact the admission office at admission@reed.edu with questions.
For current students considering a leave of absence, please first read the ISS information on Academic Changes, then visit Student Life’s Leave of Absence page to learn more about the process.

section updated 15 June 2021