COVID-19 Updates and Guidance > FAQs > International students

International students

​Yes. Regardless of your vaccination status, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ​requires all international travelers get a COVID-19 test three to five days after travel. 

DePaul is also holding a free COVID-19 testing clinic for international students prior to the start of the fall quarter. 

Testing will be available on Aug. 16 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and Aug. 17 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. It will take place in the Arts & Letters Building at 2315 N. Kenmore Avenue, room 209 on the Lincoln Park campus. 

To sign up, follow these steps:

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 



In April 2021 the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) confirmed that the prior COVID-19 guidance is still in place 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 "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 these pages accordingly.


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. 

For more information on where to access a vaccine near you, visit this page.

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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