Coronavirus Information
- Enrollment and Visa Status FAQs
- International Travel & Housing FAQs
- Employment Eligibility FAQs
- Health, Safety, and Other COVID-19 Impacts FAQs
TRAVEL, TRAVEL DOCUMENTS,
AND HOUSING
Travel
What is the current status of U.S. visa services in my country?
LAST UPDATE/REVIEW: AUGUST 2023
We encourage you to check with your local embassy regarding this option. In many cases, F-1 and J-1 students are eligible for emergency visa appointments in order to help them begin their studies on time.
For updated visa appointment availability, you can check your local consulate’s visa wait times here.
Will ISPO continue issuing electronic I-20 or DS-2019 documents?
LAST UPDATE/REVIEW: AUGUST 2023
As per Student and Exchange Visitor Program (F-1) as well as Department of State (J-1) guidance, ISPO will only issue Forms I-20 and DS-2019 to students electronically. These forms will be available within a student’s iPortal application for download/printing.
Electronically issued Forms I-20 and DS-2019 are considered valid for visa issuance purposes at U.S. consulates as well as for international travel.
NOTE: You must print your Form I-20 or DS-2019 from your iPortal account and sign it before using it for visa or travel purposes. Copies shown to consular or CBP officials on electronic devices such as phones or laptops are not considered valid.
Where can I find the most current information regarding inbound and outbound travel to and from the United States from regions affected by COVID-19?
LAST UPDATE/REVIEW: AUGUST 2023
There are currently no geographic COVID-19 U.S. entry ban proclamations in effect.
Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control ceased issuing COVID-19 travel advisories for non-U.S. countries in October of 2022. However, ISPO recommends regularly reviewing their Travel Health Notices information for any planned travel as needed.
Where can I get a COVID-19 test for travel clearance purposes?
LAST UPDATE/REVIEW: AUGUST 2023
If students need to show a negative COVID-19 test to travel and reenter their home country, please consult the COVID-19 Campus Resources and Guidelines page for testing resources. Students should also be sure to check with their airline for specific testing policies and procedures, if any exist.