F-1 Visa Guide for DePaul University

Admitted to DePaul University? Here is how the I-20, SEVIS fee, funds proof, and Chicago arrival steps fit together.

DePaul University is an SEVP-certified private institution in Chicago, IL. International students study in F-1 status after the school issues Form I-20, you pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, complete DS-160, and (if required) attend a visa interview. An I-20 is not a visa guarantee—the Department of State decides visa issuance.

Begin funding documents early so DePaul University can issue your I-20 in time for your program start date in Chicago.

Your I-20 and the international student office

The international student services team at DePaul University includes Designated School Officials who create and maintain your SEVIS record. They issue the initial I-20, advise on travel signatures, CPT/OPT recommendations, and program changes. Contact them within ten days if your address, major, or funding source changes so your record stays accurate.

Financial documentation for your I-20

To obtain an I-20 from DePaul University, you must show you can cover the published cost of attendance for at least the first academic year. Typical evidence includes recent bank statements or bank letters, a sponsor affidavit when someone else funds you, and scholarship award letters. Documents should name the account holder clearly and be recent enough for the school’s review window. Chicago-area costs and Midwest winters both affect first-year budgets beyond tuition lines on the I-20.

Arriving in Chicago

Arriving in Chicago for DePaul University: Hyde Park, Lincoln Park, and Loop-adjacent stock vary sharply by price; winter utility costs matter in lease comparisons. CTA trains/buses and Metra for outer areas; plan for wind and delayed trains in winter. Bitter lake-effect cold—arrival week in January needs real winter gear. Complete DePaul University's mandatory SEVIS registration/check-in on time with your passport, F-1 visa (if applicable), and I-20.

Common challenges for DePaul University applicants

• Winter utility costs in older apartments near campus.
• Timing SEVIS check-in around harsh weather arrivals.
• Providing financial evidence that matches DePaul University's I-20 cost of attendance without unofficial screenshots or expired statements.
• Securing housing in Chicago before orientation while managing deposits as a new arrival without US credit history.
• Maintaining full-time enrollment each term so your SEVIS record at DePaul University stays active unless a DSO-authorized reduced course load applies.

Working during and after your program

F-1 students at DePaul University may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while school is in session, subject to school policy. Off-campus training usually requires CPT during the program or OPT after the DSO recommends employment authorisation in SEVIS and, for OPT, USCIS approval. Neither CPT nor OPT guarantees a job or future visa status.

Local facts for DePaul University

• Chicago-area costs and Midwest winters both affect first-year budgets beyond tuition lines on the I-20.
• Chicago housing: Hyde Park, Lincoln Park, and Loop-adjacent stock vary sharply by price; winter utility costs matter in lease comparisons.
• DePaul University is SEVP-certified in Chicago, IL, with roughly 2,400 international students in recent counts.
• DePaul University educates more than 2,400 students from abroad, making it a significant SEVP-certified private campus in IL.
• DePaul University is a private SEVP-certified campus in Chicago, IL, with roughly 2,400 international students in recent counts.
• The international student services team at DePaul University includes Designated School Officials who create and maintain your SEVIS record.

Official sources

Confirm SEVIS, F-1 employment, and visa appointment rules on government sites. Your school's international office is the authority for I-20 issuance.

• USCIS — Students and exchange visitors
• Study in the States (SEVP / ICE)
• SEVIS I-901 fee (FMJfee)
• US Department of State — student visas
• 8 CFR 214.2(f) — F-1 classification

Legal rules live on MyCaseworks

This USA page owns the campus journey for DePaul University. Form-level F-1 / CPT / OPT procedure is maintained on legal.yousafeconsultancy.com (MyCaseworks):

• F-1 student visa rights guideStatus rules, work routes, and travel — the legal pillar for F-1.
• F-1 document checklistWhat to assemble for I-20, DS-160, and the consular interview.
• CPT vs OPTWhen training is curricular vs post-completion work authorisation.
• OPT & STEM OPT complete guidePost-completion work authorisation rules after you graduate.
• SEVIS termination & reinstatementWhat to do if status is at risk.
• US student visas hubAll F-1, CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT procedural guides in one place.

Frequently asked questions