All F-1 and J-1 students are required to report and maintain a local U.S. address and phone number with the Department of Homeland Security within 10 days of initial arrival and within 10 days of any change. This address must be your local U.S. residential address with room number (if you live in a residence hall) or apartment number (if you live in an apartment). Campus departmental addresses, P.O. boxes and foreign addresses are not acceptable addresses for immigration purposes.

Continuing students must report or update their mailing and billing address and phone number through CougarNet. New Students (Spring 2025 arrival) should report their address on the Check-In Form, if not done already. Refer to the Updating Your Contact Information example or visit the Service Center in Rendleman Hall to update your contact information in person.

ISSS has put together a handbook containing important policies and immigration information, which is housed on our Resources website. Please review the handbook and bookmark the site!

International students in F-1 and J-1 status must register for and complete a full course load each semester (not including summer). Visit our website for more Enrollment Requirement information.

For immigration purposes, full-time enrollment (during fall and spring semester) is defined as:

• Graduate students: 9 credit hours (3 courses)
• Graduate students with a graduate assistantship: 6 credit hours (2 courses)
• Undergraduate students: 12 credit hours (4 courses)

All students are required to maintain a full course of study unless a Reduced Course Load has been authorized by their DSO. Students can obtain an RCL in their first semester if they are experiencing academic difficulties. Reasons for a first semester RCL are:

• Initial Difficulty with English Language
• Initial Difficulty with Reading Requirements
• Unfamiliarity with American Teaching Methods
• Improper Course Level Placement

Students who drop below a full course-load without immigration advisor approval will be reported to SEVIS. If this occurs, your SEVIS record will be terminated and you will lose your F-1 or J-1 status, including employment eligibility and benefits.

Are you completing your degree this Spring semester? Students who will be completing their academic program in May 2025 and planning to attend Spring 2025 Commencement need to submit an application by March 1st, 2025.

Questions? More details are available at the Office of the Registrar website. You can also call the graduation staff by phone at 618-650-2263 or 618-650-2282, or by email at graduation@siue.edu.

Inviting Family?

Please be advised that a letter of invitation is not required to apply for a nonimmigrant tourist visa per the U.S. Department of State U.S. Consular Affairs if you plan to invite your family to your graduation. Therefore, the Office of International Affairs and the Registrar no longer provide invitation letters for graduating international students. Students can provide a copy of their most recent I-20 or DS-2019 and a copy of their unofficial transcript, which can be obtained from CougarNet in lieu of a letter an invitation letter. Visit our website for more information.

The Office of International Affairs is hosting the New International Student Success Series! The series is open to all international students. Make sure to keep an eye on your email for more information about dates and locations!

First-semester international SIUE students are invited to participate in Global Cougar Quest, which helps new Cougars make the most of their university experience. Complete the Quest and earn exclusive prizes from ISSS! Visit our website or the ISSS Office for more information!

International Hospitality Program

The International Hospitality Program would like to invite students to apply for a host family. Host families are caring friends who are interested in you, and they can be your "family" away from home. Students can fill out THIS FORM if they are interested. Please note, not all students will be matched with a host family.

The International Hospitality Program is happy to assist international students with obtaining household goods and furniture items. To make a request, please fill out THIS FORM. Requesting an item does not guarantee that IHP has it or that you will receive all of the requested items.

You can find out more about the organization on our website.

Cougar Cupboard

The Cougar Cupboard is a non-profit food pantry located at SIUE serving students, faculty, and staff members.



Students do not need to register for an individual appointment. Hours and more information are available on the Cougar Cupboard webpage.

Questions? Email the Cougar Cupboard at cougarcupboard@siue.edu. Follow the Cougar Cupboard on Facebook and Instagram for updates! 

Career Development Center

The Career Development Center (CDC) helps students acquire information and skills necessary to transition from university life to the real world of work. Whether you have a clear idea of where your career is headed or no idea whatsoever, the CDC has something to offer you. Feel free to contact their office at (618) 650‑3708 with questions or to schedule an appointment with a Career Counselor.

Learning Support Services

Learning Support Services (LSS) is an instructional support unit for all students at SIUE. Learning Support Services is home to the Tutoring Resource Center, Writing Center, and Supplemental Instruction. The center is dedicated to helping SIUE students prepare and excel in the classroom. You can make an appointment with the Learning Support service by calling (618) 650‑3717 or email learningsupportservices@siue.edu.