International Student Certification of Finances - International Student Services

Welcome global Reedies, we look forward to welcoming you to campus! These pages will help you coordinate your student visa documents.

Following admission to the College - we ask for additional information from international students so that we can properly prepare your Reed I-20 which will allow you to seek a US F-1 student visa - or continue your F-1 status in the US.

Please submit your documents through the Reed Application Status Portal as soon as possible:

Upload a copy of the biographical page of your passport.
Upload your financial support documentation.
Complete the Certification of Finances form in the portal.

You can read more about each of these items in the portal. These documents are required for all international students who will attend Reed on an F-1 student visa, whether you will receive financial aid or not. Failure to submit your required forms on time could result in delays in receiving your visa documents.

For students currently attending school in the United States in F-1 visa status:

You should contact your current international student advisor about transferring your SEVIS record to Reed. Transferring your student record simplifies the immigration process and may prevent the need to obtain a new F-1 visa.

To start the SEVIS transfer:

Prepare this F-1 SEVIS Transfer Form, attach your Reed admission letter, and share it with your current international student advisor.
Discuss an appropriate SEVIS transfer release date with your advisor. It should be a date after you complete your current classes/academic program.

Once your SEVIS record has been released to Reed College and you have uploaded your I-20 support documents in the Reed Application Status Portal we will issue your Reed I-20 within two weeks.

FAQ: International Student Certification of Finances

Why is this information required?

In compliance with US immigration regulations, Reed College can only issue an I-20 eligibility form once an admitted student has demonstrated proof of financial support for anticipated educational and living expenses incurred during study in the United States. All students who plan to attend Reed College in F-1 visa status are required to demonstrate proof of financial support for one academic year before an I-20 can be issued.

Collecting a copy of your passport helps us ensure that we issue the I-20 correctly.

What supporting documentation should I include?

Documentation could include a copy of bank statements, a letter of verification from the bank on bank letterhead, an official letter of support from a sponsor, or confirmation of a scholarship or loan.

Financial assets should indicate available funds and be eligible for withdrawal before or on the program start date. The unit of currency must be clearly indicated.

Documents should be issued as recently as possible, and dated no earlier than nine months prior to the start date of the student's first term at Reed College.

Documents not issued in English should be accompanied by a literal word-for-word translation.

How should I complete the form if I am on Financial Aid?

Once you receive and accept your financial aid award, you will only be expected to show the remaining funds you and your family are expected to contribute. The Certification of Finances will display the amount that you should demonstrate. The amount is calculated by taking the total annual amount of Reed’s tuition and fees and subtracting your Reed grants, loans, and on-campus employment work award. We will include your Reed financial aid and work awards on your I-20 or DS-2019.

How soon can I receive my I-20?

Students who have submitted their enrollment deposit and are coming to the US for the first time, will receive their I-20 within two weeks of submitting the required support documents.

For students already in the US in F-1 status, we can issue the I-20 within two weeks after your SEVIS record is transferred to Reed College and all required support documents have been received.

When your I-20 is available for download from the portal, you will receive an email notification and instructions on starting your visa application.

What happens after I receive my I-20?

When your I-20 is available for download from the portal, you will receive an email notification and instructions on starting your visa application. Read more about how to apply for your visa here.

Student (F) visas for new students can be issued up to 365 days in advance of the start date for a course of study. However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States on your student visa more than 30 days before the start date.