Lori Meadows
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the studies and travels of many international students, affecting the availability of flights and causing delays in visa processing. As a result, US universities have adapted to help international students with their applications, offering advice, visa assistance, and accepting electronic transcripts. International students must also understand their university's vaccination policy and be prepared for potential quarantine procedures. While some US universities have mandated COVID-19 vaccines for students, others are assisting unvaccinated international students in obtaining FDA-approved vaccines upon arrival. Students who have been partially vaccinated or vaccinated with a non-FDA or non-WHO-approved vaccine may need to be revaccinated, although there is limited data on the safety and efficacy of this approach. International students should refer to relevant government websites and their university's policies for the latest updates on travel restrictions and vaccination requirements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vaccination requirement | International students travelling to the US are required to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination status. |
| Accepted vaccines | The US accepts 2 doses of any "mix-and-match" WHO-listed vaccine combination for non-citizen and non-immigrant travellers. |
| University requirements | Many universities require students to be vaccinated before they can return to campus. Some universities, such as NYU, require students to be vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine. |
| Quarantine procedures | International students must follow state and local recommendations and requirements, which may include quarantine or increased safety precautions upon arrival. |
| Remote learning | Some universities offer remote learning options for international students who are unable to secure a visa or travel to the US due to vaccination status. |
| Booster doses | International students may be eligible for booster doses of FDA-approved vaccines after receiving 2 doses of a WHO-approved vaccine. |
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What You'll Learn
International students' ability to travel to the US
International students intending to travel to the US should be aware of the various requirements and recommendations that they need to fulfil and adhere to. These requirements are subject to change, so it is important to check the latest information before travelling.
Firstly, international students need to be fully vaccinated with an FDA or WHO-approved vaccine to enter the US. The CDC does not recommend a "mix-and-match" of vaccines, but the US will accept two doses of any combination of WHO-listed vaccines for non-citizen and non-immigrant travellers. Students who have received a non-FDA or WHO-approved vaccine may be required to get revaccinated with an FDA-authorised vaccine after arriving in the US. NYU, for example, does not accept documentation with mix-and-match vaccines and requires students to get revaccinated with an FDA-authorised vaccine. Students should check the relevant government websites, including embassies, consulates and the US Department of Homeland Security, for the latest travel updates and restrictions.
Secondly, international students should ensure that they have the necessary documents for re-entry into the US. This includes a valid passport (valid for at least six months beyond the date of re-entry), a valid F-1/J-1 visa in the passport (except for students from Canada), I-20/DS-2019 with a valid travel signature, proof of sufficient funds for living expenses, and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if the student has a pending practical training application. Students with pending OPT/STEM OPT Extension applications are encouraged to consult with an OIS advisor before travelling. Additionally, students should ensure that their record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is up-to-date and in Active status, and that they have the most recent Form I-94 ("Arrival/Departure Record") and Form I-20 ("Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status").
Thirdly, international students should be aware of the vaccine requirements of their chosen university. An increasing number of universities in the US require students to be vaccinated before returning to campus. For example, NYU requires students to upload proof of their primary vaccination and make an appointment for a booster if they haven't already.
Lastly, students should be aware of any local restrictions and requirements, such as the need for a vaccination pass or negative COVID-19 test to enter certain venues or events.
In summary, international students intending to travel to the US should ensure that they meet the vaccination requirements for entry into the country and their chosen university, have the necessary documents for re-entry, and stay updated with any changing local restrictions and requirements.
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US universities' vaccine mandates
International students travelling to the US for their studies should be aware of the country's vaccination requirements. While there is no country-wide mandate on vaccines in the US, an increasing number of universities require students to be vaccinated before they can return to campus.
The Chronicle of Higher Education has identified 773 campuses that will require students and/or employees to get vaccinated. Some universities, such as NYU, have a COVID-19 immunization requirement for students to be allowed in campus buildings. NYU also has a vaccine clinic for students who were unable to access vaccines previously.
International students may need to get revaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine upon arrival in the US if they have already been vaccinated with a non-FDA or non-WHO-authorized vaccine. The CDC notes that there is limited data on the safety or efficacy of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine authorized in the US after a non-FDA-authorized vaccine. Students with concerns about re-vaccination can refer to government websites, including embassies, consulates, and the US Department of Homeland Security, for the latest travel updates and restrictions.
In addition to vaccine requirements, international students should also be aware of other COVID-19-related restrictions and recommendations in the US. For example, some states use apps that allow individuals to upload their vaccination details and generate a vaccination pass.
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Quarantine procedures and campus policies
International students travelling to the US for their studies have faced numerous challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, including disruptions to travel and visa processing, as well as mental health concerns. As the pandemic unfolded, an increasing number of universities in the US began to mandate COVID-19 vaccination for students returning to campus. This posed a challenge for international students who had received non-FDA or non-WHO approved vaccines in their home countries.
International students travelling to the US should be prepared to follow any quarantine procedures outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) upon arrival. In addition, colleges and universities may have their own specific quarantine policies in place, which can vary by school. For example, Iowa State University requires new international students to "quarantine or practice increased safety precautions for up to a week after arrival". Students who are still in quarantine during new student orientation will be offered a virtual orientation experience.
Some universities, such as NYU, have implemented vaccine requirements for students to be permitted on campus. NYU accepts proof of any “mix-and-match” WHO-listed vaccine combination for non-citizen and non-immigrant travellers, but students will need to get revaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine after arriving on campus. NYU also operates a vaccine clinic for students who were unable to access vaccines prior to their arrival.
International students who have received non-FDA or non-WHO approved vaccines may be granted temporary exemptions by their university and will be expected to get revaccinated within a specified time frame. For example, NYU requires students to get revaccinated between 29-34 days after their last dose. Students should be prepared to upload proof of their vaccination status and comply with their university's specific requirements and timelines for vaccination.
Additional Challenges for International Students:
Beyond the practical considerations of vaccination and quarantine procedures, international students in the US have faced unique challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies have shown that international students, particularly those of Asian origin, experienced increased discrimination and microaggressions due to the pandemic. The media and politicians' framing of COVID-19 as a "Chinese virus" negatively impacted the experiences and well-being of Chinese students in the US. International students also faced additional burdens related to living abroad, adjusting to cultural differences, language barriers, visa policies, and being away from their support systems. These factors contributed to higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among international students during the pandemic.
Furthermore, the Trump administration's policies targeting international students, including attempts to block their entry or revoke their visas, created a climate of uncertainty and concern. Despite these challenges, international students make significant contributions to the US educational system, and universities should ensure that support systems and resources are in place to address the unique needs of this population.
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Getting revaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine
International students travelling to the US for their studies have been impacted by the pandemic, with travel disruptions and delays to visa processing. As a result, many universities in the US have adapted to help international students with their applications, offering advice on social media livestreams, assisting with visa documents, and accepting electronic school transcripts.
In terms of vaccination, the US will accept two doses of any "mix-and-match" WHO-listed vaccine combination for non-citizen and non-immigrant travellers to enter the country. However, the CDC does not recommend the use of mix-and-match COVID-19 vaccine primary series, and students' documentation with mix-and-match vaccines will not be accepted by some universities, such as NYU. In such cases, students will need to get revaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine after arrival. The CDC notes that limited data is available on the safety or efficacy of receiving an FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine after a non-FDA-authorized vaccine. However, in some circumstances, revaccination with an FDA-authorized vaccine may be offered or required.
The first COVID-19 vaccine authorized for emergency use in the US was the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, which is based on mRNA technology. This vaccine has been shown to be 95% effective in protecting against COVID-19 disease and is equally effective across different age groups and racial and ethnic backgrounds. Since then, the FDA has authorized updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines to provide better protection against currently circulating variants, including the Omicron variant. These updated vaccines have been shown to meet the agency's rigorous standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality.
For individuals who have previously received a COVID-19 vaccine, the timing and number of doses for revaccination with an updated vaccine depend on the previous vaccine received. For example, individuals aged 12 and above who have been previously vaccinated are eligible to receive a single dose of the updated, approved Comirnaty or Spikevax. It is important to note that vaccine protection decreases over time, and the CDC recommends a 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine for most adults aged 18 and older, even if they have received a previous COVID-19 vaccine.
In conclusion, while international students may be able to enter the US with a mix-and-match vaccine series, they may be required to get revaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine upon arrival, depending on their university's requirements. It is important to check the latest travel updates and restrictions, as well as university policies, before travelling to the US as an international student.
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The availability of vaccines in the US
Some universities, such as NYU, have a vaccine clinic on campus, but this may be limited. International students who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated may be required to get revaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine, depending on the school's policy. The CDC recommends a minimum interval of 28 days between the last dose of a non-FDA-authorized vaccine and an FDA-authorized vaccine.
It is important to note that the US does not have a country-wide mandate on vaccines, but many universities are requiring students to be vaccinated before returning to campus. Students should be prepared to provide proof of vaccination and, in some cases, a negative COVID-19 test. Additionally, colleges and universities may have their own quarantine policies in place, so students should be aware of any required procedures upon arrival.
To find a vaccination site in the US, individuals can use the US or NYC vaccine finder to locate a convenient site and make an appointment.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the US will accept two doses of any WHO-listed "mix-and-match" vaccine combination for non-citizen and non-immigrant travellers to enter the country.
This depends on the university. An increasing number of universities require students to be vaccinated before they can return to campus. However, some universities will allow in-person learning for unvaccinated students as long as they follow school policies, such as regular surveillance testing.
The CDC states that people who have received a non-FDA-authorised vaccine may be offered revaccination with an FDA-authorised vaccine. Students with non-FDA/WHO-authorised vaccines will be granted a temporary exemption until it is safe for them to get a vaccine accepted by their university.
Some universities will assist unvaccinated international students in obtaining an FDA-approved vaccine once they arrive on campus. However, it is recommended that you plan to complete all doses of a non-authorised vaccine at least 28 days in advance of your arrival.
International students are advised to get vaccinated against measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), varicella (chickenpox), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis), hepatitis B, influenza, and pneumococcal infections.
