October 2025 Newsletter

International Students & Scholar Services

Spring 2026 registration opens on Monday, October 27, 2025. Please check the Registrar's calendar for all registration dates. Students will have access to register via CougarNet after they have met with an academic advisor and planned their course for the upcoming semester. Students will have an advising hold on their account until they see their advisor. Students may have additional holds on your account, so check and contact the appropriate unit for removal.

For example:

• Contact Health Services if immunization hold on your account
• Contact the Bursar for an account balance hold
• Contact Academic Advising for Advising hold if you are an undergraduate student
• If you are a graduate student, please get in touch with your Graduate Program Director (GPD) for registration.



Course Load Requirements

International students (F-1 and J-1 status) must register for a full course load each semester (not including summer). Students who drop below the required course load without approval will have their immigration record terminated. For immigration purposes, full-time enrollment (during fall and spring semester) is defined as:

• Undergraduate students: 12 credit hours (4 courses)3 hybrid/on-campus and 1 online
• Graduate students: 9 credit hours (3 courses) )- 2 hybrid/on-campus and 1 online
• Graduate students with a graduate assistantship: 6 credit hours (2 courses) 1 hybrid/on-campus and 1 online

As the semester winds down, we know things can start to feel overwhelming—with exams, projects, and everything happening in the world and in life. Please remember, you’re not alone, and there’s support available at SIUE.

If you have any questions about your status, don’t hesitate to reach out to ISSS. You can email ISSS@siue.edu to set up a meeting with your DSO or to ask questions. We also offer walk-in advising on Tuesdays from 9:00–11:00 a.m. if that works better for you.

In addition, Counseling and Health Services are here to support your mental health and well-being. You can meet with a staff member in Counseling Services or access TimelyCare, a virtual service, whenever you need it.

Take care of yourself—we’re here to help you finish the semester strong.

International Education Week (IEW) is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of State to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide.

International Education Week will be November 17-20, and we will be needing volunteers. Check out our website for opportunities to volunteer during events!

Passports should be valid for at least six months into the future. This includes while you are enrolled in classes, when entering and re-entering the U.S., when applying for a visa, and when applying for OPT. Many passports can be renewed in the U.S.

Visas cannot be renewed inside the U.S. As a reminder, visas can expire while you are in the United States; travel just to renew your visa is not advised. Once students/scholars have made a visa interview appointment at a U.S. embassy/consulate abroad, they should review the embassy/consulate’s website for details on the visa renewal process including required documents. Students/scholars are also able to check on the visa wait times for a specific U.S. embassy/consulate through the U.S. Department of State website.

Information on maintaining your status can be found on the ISSS website.

Ready to Apply for OPT?

If Fall 2025 is your final semester enrolled in required coursework, you can begin applying for OPT.

OPT Eligibility Requirements and Timeline

In order to be eligible for OPT, the following must be true:

• I have maintained my F-1 status.
• I have been enrolled full-time for at least two consecutive semesters.
• I am in my final term enrolled in required courses for my degree program.
• I have at least a 3.0 GPA if I am a graduate student or a 2.0 GPA if I am an undergraduate student.
• I have not been approved for OPT in the past at the same degree level or at a higher degree level.
• I have not used 12 months of full-time CPT
• I agree to report to SIUE via the OPT Reporting Form within 10 days of any change in address or employment status regarding your employment.

Fall Applications are open NOW. It will take the USCIS Service Center 3-5 months to process your application and receive your employment authorization document (EAD card), so we recommend that you apply early.

Please take a look at our website for more information about applying for OPT.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is defined as employment that is an integral part of an established curriculum in the student's course of study. CPT work authorization can include internships, cooperative education or any other employment that is related to the student's degree program. CPT for F-1 students is intended to provide work experience in situations where the work serves as an integral part of a student's academic program, prior to completion of that program.

CPT is authorized on a semester basis and is employer specific. Only one employer per student per term will be authorized. If you hope to work for another semester, you need to reapply with all new required documentation. Check the CDC website for deadlines and visit our website to learn more about CPT eligibility and the application process.

Univ 500 is a zero credit hour course required by the Graduate School. It does not satisfy enrollment requirements for international students. Enrolling in UNIV 500 allows students to access campus systems including SIUE email address. Students will lose access to their SIUE email address 180 days after they are no longer enrolled in courses.



Students who choose to apply for OPT STEM extension will need to show proof of degree verification, therefore we recommend that students complete their project/thesis within 2 semesters of their final semester enrolled in courses. Students incur a Health Service charge as well as the administrative fee for each semester they are only enrolled in UNIV 500.

Visit our website for more information about UNIV 500 enrollment requirements.

Come join the ISSS office on Friday, October 24 from 1:30 - 3:30pm to carve pumpkins and enjoy some apple cider and pie! Limited supply of pumpkins will be available! Event is weather permitting.

Join ISSS as the St. Louis Blues take on the Calgary Flames on Tuesday, November 11. Sign ups will open on November 3 at 10:00am and are first come, first serve.

International Hospitality Program

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 must register for an individual appointment – EVEN if you see few or no reservations. This ensures staff knows you are coming. Summer sign-up will be available soon on the Cougar Cupboard webpage.

Questions? Email the Cougar Cupboard at cougarcupboard@siue.edu 

Follow the Cougar Cupboard on Facebook and Instagram for updates! 

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.