COVID-19 Updates and Guidance > FAQs > International students

International students

Yes, DePaul University accepts all vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (WHO). Review DePaul's vaccination requirements web page for more information. 

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.​