COVID-19 Updates and Guidance > FAQs > International students

International students

In April the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) confirmed the prior COVID-19 guidance is still in place for the 2022-2023 academic year.

Based on this guidance, continuing F-1 students can remain in the U.S. even if engaged in a fully online program of study provided they meet full-time enrollment requirements and are making normal progress towards their degree.

All "initial" F-1 students will be required to enroll in an in-person course, with an on-campus attendance component during the student's first term in the U.S. If you are unsure whether you are a "continuing" or "initial" F–1 student, please consult with your ISS advisor for registration requirements. If you are an Initial Transfer Pending or a Change of Education Level F–1 student, also consult with your ISS advisor for registration requirements.

International Student and Scholar Services continues to monitor announcements from the SEVP on a regular basis and will update this section accordingly.

Adults 18 years or older who received a COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in the U.S. or by the World Health Organization (WHO) are required to receive a booster. For a complete list of approved vaccines and specific booster requirements, please visit the Immunization Requirements page.

Students who received an approved two dose COVID-19 vaccine are not required to receive a booster until after five months from the date of the second dose. A booster will be required as soon as you become eligible regardless of whether or not classes have begun.

If a COVID-19 booster is not available in your home country and it has more than five months since you received your last dose of the two dose vaccine, you can request a temporary Medical Exemption. You will need to submit the exemption form along with a statement from a medical professional verifying that the booster is not available to you along with the date that you will be eligible for a booster. 

Please note that you will need get the booster as soon as you are eligible – whether that is before or upon your arrival in the U.S. 

​According to the CDC, if you completed a Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine primary series outside of the United States you should follow the guidance above for booster shots.
 
Otherwise, if you were vaccinated abroad with other COVID-19 vaccines you can get a booster shot if you are 16 years or older and you either: 
If you meet the above requirements you can get a single booster shot of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least five months after getting all recommended doses or completing a mix and match COVID-19 vaccine series.


Students who received a COVID-19 booster are required to submit proof of vaccination through Campus Connect. Once processed and your record is considered compliant in Campus Connect, you can come to campus. 

Submit a question

If you can’t find an answer that you’re looking for​, please email DePaulCommunityHealth@depaul.edu.