Dear students,
We are writing to share more details about Lehigh’s plans for fall 2021. This is the most current information as of today. Still, this remains a fluid situation, and our fall plans are subject to change due to the spread of the virus, vaccination rates, and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Please read this letter carefully, since it includes important information specific to your arrival in the U.S. and Bethlehem.
As we have shared previously, the fall semester will begin on August 23 for undergraduate and graduate students and classes will be primarily in person. First-year students will register for classes in July. Accommodations for fully remote learning are only available to students who cannot get visas or students with approved medical accommodations. All other students should plan to travel to Bethlehem in August. Graduate students who are experiencing delays in being able to arrive in Bethlehem should be in communication with their graduate program to discuss alternative arrangements.
Travel Restrictions and Visa Delays
The Department of State has lifted travel restrictions for students with a valid F-1 or M-1 visa to study in the U.S. Students coming from the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, or Ireland can travel to the U.S. without seeking an individual National Interest Exception from a U.S. Embassy or consulate. Students coming from India, China, Iran, Brazil, or South Africa can travel to the U.S. without seeking an individual National Interest Exception if their academic program begins August 1, 2021, or later. Learn more about the National Interest Exception>
We are aware that many U.S. consulates and embassies are not readily holding visa interviews, or are temporarily closed or operating on an emergency basis only. You can check visa interview wait times here, though actual wait times may differ.
Please complete this survey to let us know where you are in the visa process. This will help us better advise students and provide flexibility where needed.
Vaccine Requirement and Quarantine
Lehigh will require all undergraduate and graduate students to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as part of their required immunizations. For more information on this requirement, see the April 21 message, Fall 2021 Plans and COVID Vaccines. Students must receive one of the vaccines authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or by the World Health Organization-Emergency Use Listing or request an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Note that the WHO recently added the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine to its emergency-use list. The list of approved vaccines may evolve and the current list will apply.
Students who have received an authorized vaccine should upload documentation to the Health and Wellness Center health portal, including a copy of their vaccination documentation with their full name, name of vaccine received, and the administration date for both doses. These students should get tested three to five days after arrival and do not need to quarantine upon arrival.
Students who have not yet been vaccinated will be able to access an authorized vaccine when they arrive on campus. We will provide more information about how we will assist students with getting the vaccine as we get closer to the start of the fall semester.
Students who are not fully vaccinated must get tested one to three days before they travel, and then again three to five days after they arrive. They will also need to quarantine for seven days after arriving in the United States, even if they have a negative COVID test. Students requiring quarantine should work independently to identify accommodations where they can complete quarantine before arriving on campus. OISS staff will be available as a resource to provide recommendations for hotels or local accommodations, if needed, and we are providing notice now to allow you as much time as possible to make arrangements.
Traveling to Lehigh
If you are a student who will be living in a residence hall this fall, the move in dates are August 21st and 22nd. Students requiring quarantine should plan to arrive in the U.S. early to allow enough time to quarantine before arriving on campus. If you live off campus and need to quarantine, please arrive early to quarantine before starting classes.
Please keep in mind that all international travelers coming to the United States are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board a flight to the United States. Learn more about this requirement >
Thank You
Thank you for choosing to study at Lehigh, and for your patience as we work to ensure a safe fall semester. We will continue to share information as it becomes available. In the meantime, please be sure to complete the visa survey, and to follow the OISS website and the Lehigh COVID-19 Info Center. If you have any questions, please contact us at intnl@lehigh.edu.
First-year message
Dear students,
We are writing to share more details about Lehigh’s plans for fall 2021. This is the most current information as of today. Still, this remains a fluid situation, and our fall plans are subject to change due to the spread of the virus, vaccination rates, and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Please read this letter carefully, since it includes important information specific to your arrival in the U.S. and Bethlehem.
As we have shared previously, the fall semester will begin on August 23 for undergraduate and graduate students and classes will be primarily in person. First-year students will register for classes in July. Accommodations for fully remote learning are only available to students who cannot get visas or students with approved medical accommodations. All other students should plan to travel to Bethlehem in August.
If you are a Chinese student who is unable to get a visa to come to the U.S., you do have the option to enroll in the Lehigh in Residence Shanghai program. You can find more information about the program here.
Travel Restrictions and Visa Delays
The Department of State has lifted travel restrictions for students with a valid F-1 or M-1 visa to study in the U.S. Students coming from the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, or Ireland can travel to the U.S. without seeking an individual National Interest Exception from a U.S. Embassy or consulate. Students coming from India, China, Iran, Brazil, or South Africa can travel to the U.S. without seeking an individual National Interest Exception if their academic program begins August 1, 2021, or later. Learn more about the National Interest Exception>
We are aware that many U.S. consulates and embassies are not readily holding visa interviews, or are temporarily closed or operating on an emergency basis only. You can check visa interview wait times here, though actual wait times may differ.
Please complete this survey to let us know where you are in the visa process. This will help us better advise students and provide flexibility where needed.
Vaccine Requirement and Quarantine
Lehigh will require all undergraduate and graduate students to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as part of their required immunizations. For more information on this requirement, see the April 21 message, Fall 2021 Plans and COVID Vaccines. Students must receive one of the vaccines authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or by the World Health Organization-Emergency Use Listing or request an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Note that the WHO recently added the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine to its emergency-use list. The list of approved vaccines may evolve and the current list will apply.
Students who have received an authorized vaccine should upload documentation to the Health and Wellness Center health portal, including a copy of their vaccination documentation with their full name, name of vaccine received, and the administration date for both doses. These students should get tested three to five days after arrival and do not need to quarantine upon arrival.
Students who have not yet been vaccinated will be able to access an authorized vaccine when they arrive on campus. We will provide more information about how we will assist students with getting the vaccine as we get closer to the start of the fall semester.
Students who are not fully vaccinated must get tested one to three days before they travel, and then again three to five days after they arrive. They will also need to quarantine for seven days after arriving in the United States, even if they have a negative COVID test. Students requiring quarantine should work independently to identify accommodations where they can complete quarantine before arriving on campus. OISS staff will be available as a resource to provide recommendations for hotels or local accommodations, if needed, and we are providing notice now to allow you as much time as possible to make arrangements.
Traveling to Lehigh
International orientation will be August 15-18. This orientation is mandatory for all new international students. The arrival date for students who are fully vaccinated is August 15. Students requiring quarantine should plan to arrive in the U.S. by August 7 to allow enough time to quarantine before arriving on campus for in-person orientation.
Additionally, all first-year students are required to participate in Lehigh’s first-year orientation, August 19-22.
Please keep in mind that all international travelers coming to the United States are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board a flight to the United States. Learn more about this requirement >
We will send more information on transportation from the airport to Lehigh later this summer.
Thank You
Thank you for choosing to study at Lehigh, and for your patience as we work to ensure a safe fall semester. We will continue to share information as it becomes available. In the meantime, please be sure to complete the visa survey, and to follow the OISS website and the Lehigh COVID-19 Info Center. If you have any questions, please contact us at intnl@lehigh.edu.
Sophomore message
Dear students,
We are writing to share more details about Lehigh’s plans for fall 2021. This is the most current information as of today. Still, this remains a fluid situation, and our fall plans are subject to change due to the spread of the virus, vaccination rates and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Please read this letter carefully, since it includes important information specific to your arrival in the U.S. and Bethlehem.
As we have shared previously, the fall semester will begin on August 23 for undergraduate and graduate students and classes will be primarily in person. Accommodations for fully remote learning are only available to students who cannot get visas or students with approved medical accommodations. All other students should plan to travel to Bethlehem in August.
Travel Restrictions and Visa Delays
The Department of State has lifted travel restrictions for students with a valid F-1 or M-1 visa to study in the U.S. Students coming from the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, or Ireland can travel to the U.S. without seeking an individual National Interest Exception from a U.S. Embassy or consulate. Students coming from India, China, Iran, Brazil, or South Africa can travel to the U.S. without seeking an individual National Interest Exception if their academic program begins August 1, 2021 or later. Learn more about the National Interest Exception>
We are aware that many U.S. consulates and embassies are not readily holding visa interviews, or are temporarily closed or operating on an emergency basis only. You can check visa interview wait times here, though actual wait times may differ.
Please complete this survey to let us know where you are in the visa process. This will help us better advise students and provide flexibility where needed.
Vaccine Requirement and Quarantine
Lehigh will require all undergraduate and graduate students to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as part of their required immunizations. For more information on this requirement, see the April 21 message, Fall 2021 Plans and COVID Vaccines. Students must receive one of the vaccines authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or by the World Health Organization-Emergency Use Listing or request an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Note that the WHO recently added the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine to its emergency-use list. The list of approved vaccines may evolve and the current list will apply.
Students who have received an authorized vaccine should upload documentation to the Health and Wellness Center health portal, including a copy of their vaccination documentation with their full name, name of vaccine received, and the administration date for both doses. These students should get tested three to five days after arrival and do not need to quarantine upon arrival.
Students who have not yet been vaccinated will be able to access an authorized vaccine when they arrive on campus. We will provide more information about how we will assist students with getting the vaccine as we get closer to the start of the fall semester.
Students who are not fully vaccinated must get tested one to three days before they travel, and then again three to five days after they arrive. They will also need to quarantine for seven days after arriving in the United States, even if they have a negative COVID test. Students requiring quarantine should work independently to identify accommodations where they can complete quarantine before arriving on campus. OISS staff will be available as a resource to provide recommendations for hotels or local accommodations, if needed, and we are providing notice now to allow you as much time as possible to make arrangements.
Traveling to Lehigh
As a sophomore coming to campus for the first time, you have the option to participate in international orientation, August 15-18. If you choose to join orientation, a fee of $160 will be charged to your Bursar account to cover costs. The survey listed above in this email has an option to indicate your interest in participating in international orientation. The arrival date for students who are fully vaccinated is August 15. Students requiring quarantine should plan to arrive in the U.S. by August 7 to allow enough time to quarantine before arriving on campus for in-person orientation.
Please keep in mind that all international travelers coming to the United States are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board a flight to the United States. Learn more about this requirement >
We will send more information on transportation from the airport to Lehigh later this summer.
Thank You
Thank you for choosing to study at Lehigh, and for your patience as we work to ensure a safe fall semester. We will continue to share information as it becomes available. In the meantime, please be sure to complete the visa survey, and to follow the OISS website and the Lehigh COVID-19 Info Center. If you have any questions, please contact us at intnl@lehigh.edu.
Graduate student message
Dear graduate students,
We are writing to share more details about Lehigh’s plans for fall 2021. This is the most current information as of today. Still, this remains a fluid situation, and our fall plans are subject to change due to the spread of the virus, vaccination rates and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Please read this letter carefully, since it includes important information specific to your arrival in the U.S. and Bethlehem.
As we have shared previously, the fall semester will begin on August 23 for undergraduate and graduate students and classes will be primarily in person. Graduate students who are experiencing delays in being able to arrive in Bethlehem should be in communication with their graduate program to discuss alternative arrangements.
Travel Restrictions and Visa Delays
The Department of State has lifted travel restrictions for students with a valid F-1 or M-1 visa to study in the U.S. Students coming from the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, or Ireland can travel to the U.S. without seeking an individual National Interest Exception from a U.S. Embassy or consulate. Students coming from India, China, Iran, Brazil, or South Africa can travel to the U.S. without seeking an individual National Interest Exception if their academic program begins August 1, 2021 or later. Learn more about the National Interest Exception>
We are aware that many U.S. consulates and embassies are not readily holding visa interviews, or are temporarily closed or operating on an emergency basis only. You can check visa interview wait times here, though actual wait times may differ.
Please complete this survey to let us know where you are in the visa process. This will help us better advise students and provide flexibility where needed.
Vaccine Requirement and Quarantine
Lehigh will require all undergraduate and graduate students to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as part of their required immunizations. For more information on this requirement, see the April 21 message, Fall 2021 Plans and COVID Vaccines. Students must receive one of the vaccines authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or by the World Health Organization-Emergency Use Listing or request an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Note that the WHO recently added the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine to its emergency-use list. The list of approved vaccines may evolve and the current list will apply.
Students who have received an authorized vaccine should upload documentation to the Health and Wellness Center health portal, including a copy of their vaccination documentation with their full name, name of vaccine received, and the administration date for both doses. These students should get tested three to five days after arrival and do not need to quarantine upon arrival.
Students who have not yet been vaccinated will be able to access an authorized vaccine when they arrive on campus. We will provide more information about how we will assist students with getting the vaccine as we get closer to the start of the fall semester.
Students who are not fully vaccinated must get tested one to three days before they travel, and then again three to five days after they arrive. They will also need to quarantine for seven days after arriving in the United States, even if they have a negative COVID test. Students requiring quarantine should work independently to identify accommodations where they can complete quarantine before arriving on campus. OISS staff will be available as a resource to provide recommendations for hotels or local accommodations, if needed, and we are providing notice now to allow you as much time as possible to make arrangements.
Traveling to Lehigh
International orientation will be August 11-13. This orientation is mandatory for all new international students. Continuing graduate students can also attend the orientation. A fee of $80 will be charged to your Bursar account to cover costs. The arrival date for students who are fully vaccinated is August 11. Students requiring quarantine should plan to arrive in the U.S. by August 2 to allow enough time to quarantine before arriving on campus for in-person orientation.
Please keep in mind that all international travelers coming to the United States are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board a flight to the United States. Learn more about this requirement >
We will send more information on transportation from the airport to Lehigh later this summer.
Thank You
Thank you for choosing to study at Lehigh, and for your patience as we work to ensure a safe fall semester. We will continue to share information as it becomes available. In the meantime, please be sure to complete the visa survey, and to follow the OISS website and the Lehigh COVID-19 Info Center. If you have any questions, please contact us at intnl@lehigh.edu.
Expat Student Message
Dear students,
We are writing to share more details about Lehigh’s plans for fall 2021. This is the most current information as of today. Still, this remains a fluid situation, and our fall plans are subject to change due to the spread of the virus, vaccination rates, and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Please read this letter carefully, since it includes important information specific to your arrival in the U.S. and Bethlehem.
As we have shared previously, the fall semester will begin on August 23 for undergraduate and graduate students and classes will be primarily in person. First-year students will register for classes in July. Accommodations for fully remote learning are only available to students who cannot get visas or students with approved medical accommodations. All other students should plan to travel to Bethlehem in August.
Vaccine Requirement and Quarantine
Lehigh will require all undergraduate and graduate students to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as part of their required immunizations. For more information on this requirement, see the April 21 message, Fall 2021 Plans and COVID Vaccines. Students must receive one of the vaccines authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or by the World Health Organization-Emergency Use Listing or request an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Note that the WHO recently added the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine to its emergency-use list. The list of approved vaccines may evolve and the current list will apply.
Students who have received an authorized vaccine should upload documentation to the Health and Wellness Center health portal, including a copy of their vaccination documentation with their full name, name of vaccine received, and the administration date for both doses. These students should get tested three to five days after arrival and do not need to quarantine upon arrival.
Students who have not yet been vaccinated will be able to access an authorized vaccine when they arrive on campus. We will provide more information about how we will assist students with getting the vaccine as we get closer to the start of the fall semester.
Students who are not fully vaccinated must get tested one to three days before they travel, and then again three to five days after they arrive. They will also need to quarantine for seven days after arriving in the United States, even if they have a negative COVID test. Students requiring quarantine should work independently to identify accommodations where they can complete quarantine before arriving on campus. OISS staff will be available as a resource to provide recommendations for hotels or local accommodations, if needed, and we are providing notice now to allow you as much time as possible to make arrangements.
Traveling to Lehigh
Our students who are U.S. citizens, but have spent the majority of their lives living abroad, have the option to participate in international orientation. International orientation will be August 15-18. You will receive more information from the Office of International Students and Scholars later this summer on how to register for international orientation. The arrival date for students who are fully vaccinated is August 15. Students requiring quarantine should plan to arrive in the U.S. by August 7 to allow enough time to quarantine before arriving on campus for in-person orientation.
Additionally, all first-year students are required to participate in Lehigh’s first-year orientation, August 19-22.
Please keep in mind that all international travelers coming to the United States are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board a flight to the United States. Learn more about this requirement >
We will send more information on transportation from the airport to Lehigh later this summer.
Thank You
Thank you for choosing to study at Lehigh, and for your patience as we work to ensure a safe fall semester. We will continue to share information as it becomes available. In the meantime, follow the Lehigh COVID-19 Info Center. If you have any questions about international orientation, please contact us at intnl@lehigh.edu.