COVID-19 Updates and Guidance > FAQs > International students

International students

In April 2021 the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) confirmed that the prior COVID-19 guidance is still in place and will be for the 2021-2022 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 new initial students coming to the U.S. will be required to enroll in an in-person course with an on-campus attendance component.

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

Yes, DePaul University accepts all vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) and will abide by the following guidance:  

​Vaccine
​Vaccine status 
​Action needed 
​​Vaccine authorized for emergency use by WHO ​
​Completed 

Do not need to take an additional dose of a U.S. FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine 
​​Vaccine authorized for emergency use by WHO 
​Partial 
​Take a U.S. FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine, taken 28 days after your most recent non-FDA approved dose 
​Vaccine NOT authorized for emergency use by WHO 
​Partial or completed 
​Take a U.S. FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine, taken 28 days after your most recent non-FDA approved dose 



Yes, you can begin your studies by taking online courses remotely. Please contact your admitting unit to defer your I-20 form to a future term. We will send you an updated I-20 form that will allow you to come to the U.S. and continue your studies in a future term. 

Any classes completed and grades received will count towards your academic progress and will be entered on your DePaul transcript, also known as your permanent record.

DePaul University will refund 50 percent of the tuition you already paid if all of the following criteria are met: 
  • Enrolled at DePaul for the first time with all of your courses being held remotely through online courses.
  • Reside outside of the U.S., require an F1 (student) visa in order to study in person in the U.S. and not in possession of such a visa.
  • Not be on academic probation.
  • Provide concrete evidence of three attempts to obtain a visa to study in the U.S. in the form of properly documented visa denials. Denials must be due to reasons other than your failure to submit required documentation as part of your visa application.

Yes, but please check that you have valid travel documents (e.g. passport, visa, etc.) and no COVID-19 related travel restrictions apply to you. If you need to apply for an F-1, please see additional information here.

If you have questions please consult with your ISS Advisor before making travel plans.

Yes. Individuals do not need to be a U.S. citizen to get a COVID-19 vaccine in Chicago. According to the city of Chicago, “the COVID-19 vaccine is free to everyone, regardless of insurance or immigration status."  

However, individuals may need to prove city-residency. To review Chicago's list of approved documents to approve residency for the city-supported sites, visit here. 

​The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requires all air passengers two years of age and over entering the U.S. to present a negative COVID-19 test, taken within 3 calendar days of departure or proof of recovery from the virus within the last 90 days. The CDC has a COVID-19 Information for Travel website with the latest guidance, including testing requirements for international travel and risk levels. Please regularly check the site for the latest updates prior to departure. 

Submit a question

If you can’t find an answer that you’re looking for, submit a question to our COVID-19 response team.

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