COVID-19 Updates and Guidance > FAQs > International students

International students

Will DePaul recognize vaccines not yet approved for use in the United States? (Updated 1/13/22)

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

What is the current enrollment guidance, including the 2022-2023 academic year? (Revised 5/7/22)

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.

Are booster vaccines required for all students, even if I took a vaccine in my home country that is not approved in the U.S.? (Updated 5/7/22)

Yes, a booster is required for all students, regardless of what vaccine they initially received and where they received it.

What if I am not eligible for a booster until after the start of classes? (Added 5/7/22)

If it has not yet been six months since you received all of your recommended doses, are not eligible for a booster in your home country, or received a mixture of different COVID-19 vaccines series, contact ursupport@depaul.edu for a temporary waiver. You will need get the booster as soon as you are eligible – whether that is before or after arrival into the U.S.

How do I get a booster if I was vaccinated outside of the United States? (Added 1/13/22)

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:

Received all the recommended doses of a World Health Organization emergency use listing (WHO-EUL) COVID-19 vaccineexternal icon, not approved or authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Or completed a mix and match series composed of any combination of FDA-approved, FDA-authorized, or WHO-EUL COVID-19 vaccines

If you meet the above requirements you can get a single booster shot of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after getting all recommended doses or completing a mix and match COVID-19 vaccine series.

If I recieved a COVID-19 vaccine booster in the U.S., can I come immediately to campus or do I need to wait for a period of time? (Added 2/3/22)

Students can come to campus immediately after they receive a booster.

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