DEPENDENTS

• My spouse and/or child would like to join me in the U.S. while I pursue my studies. How do I get a new I-20/DS-2019 for them to use in applying for a dependent visa?
• Can my dependent spouse work while in the U.S.?
• Can my dependent spouse study while in the U.S.?
• Can my dependent spouse get a SSN or driver’s license while in the U.S.?

EMPLOYMENT

• Can international students work on campus?
• How soon can I work on campus after I have arrived in the U.S.?
• How can I learn more about my eligibility to work off campus?
• How many hours per week am I eligible to work? What if I am doing CPT and on-campus work, does the same weekly limit apply?
• Do I need to get work authorization for unpaid internships or volunteer opportunities?

ENROLLMENT QUESTIONS

• What is considered a “full course of study” or “full-time enrollment?”
• My academic advisor told me that my department offers Distance Learning (DL) courses. How many DL courses can I take per quarter?
• I would like to drop a class (for academic, medical, or other reasons). Will this affect my legal status? What should I do?
• What is “annual vacation?” Can I take winter quarter off instead of summer quarter?

HOUSING

• Does DePaul offer on-campus housing for any of its students?
• How do I find housing off campus?

IMMUNIZATIONS

• I have been accepted to DePaul University and will soon begin studies. What are your immunization requirements?
  

MAINTAINING LAWFUL STATUS

• Why do I have to attend an international student orientation?
• What is SEVIS?
• What does it mean to maintain status?
• What happens if I am not in status? How can I regain lawful status?
• What happens if my visa stamp in my passport expires? What’s the difference between visa and status?
• How long can I remain in the U.S. after completion of my program?

MEDICAL/HEALTH INSURANCE

• Does DePaul offer a health insurance policy for its students?
• Am I legally required to have health insurance coverage while studying in the U.S.?
• What if I prefer to purchase health insurance from my home country?
  

TRANSFERS

• I am transferring to DePaul from another U.S. academic institution. What do I need to do to make sure my legal transfer is processed?
• I am currently a DePaul student (or am on OPT on a DePaul I-20). I would like to “transfer out” to another U.S. academic institution. What do I need to do to complete my transfer out?
  

TRANSPORTATION

• Once I arrive at the airport in Chicago, how do I arrange for transportation to my hotel, apartment, etc.?

• What is a U-Pass and how do I get one?

TRAVEL

• What documents do I need in order to reenter the U.S. from a trip abroad?
• My student visa has expired and I need to travel outside of the U.S. How do I apply for a new student visa to be used for my reentry into the U.S.?
• I have already completed my degree and am still waiting for my EAD (OPT) card. Can I travel outside of the country while I wait for my EAD card?
• I would like to visit Canada. Do I need to apply for a Canadian entry permit to travel to Canada?
• I would like to travel to Canada or Mexico. Do I need a valid F-1/J-1 visa to reenter the U.S. following my stay in Canada/Mexico?

Updated 08.2005