Ready to Apply for OPT?

If you are completing your degree requirements in Spring 2025, review one of our OPT Workshops on the ISSS Events website!

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.

For more information about applying for OPT, please refer to this page on our website: SIUE Optional Practical Training.

Summer 2025 registration opens on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Fall 2025 Registration will open on Monday, March 31.

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 or GPD 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 with an Advising Hold, please contact 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

If summer is your final semester, you must be enrolled in at least one on-campus class. Enrollment in all online courses during the summer are allowed only if you are enrolling in the Fall 2025 semester.

Continuing international students enrolling for the Fall 2025 semester must be enrolled in a full course of study by Friday, August 15, 2025.

University 500 (UNIV 500)

Graduate international students who are enrolled in their final courses in the spring semester but will not have not completed their exit exam, project or thesis defense by the end of the spring semester (May 10, 2025) are encouraged to enroll in Univ 500 during the summer semester to maintain university resources, such as library, advisement, and SIUE email accounts that are need to complete graduation requirements. Students incur a Health insurance charge, as well as the administrative fee, for each semester they are only enrolled in UNIV 500. UNIV 500 is a zero credit hours course and does not satisfy enrollment requirements for international students.

Students who wish to not enroll in Univ 500, and not be charged the administrative fee and health insurance charges, will need to complete the Graduate Student Request Form to request a waiver for continuous enrollment.

Most students on OPT choose not to enroll in Univ 500 because of the SIUE health insurance charges incurred. While in the U.S. we do recommend students carry medical insurance to help cover the cost of medical bills. Many students on OPT are offered the option of purchasing health insurance coverage through their employer.

Planning to participate in the Spring 2025 commencement? Visit the Commencement website to view the events schedule and learn how to participate in the event.

If you have any questions regarding SIUE Commencement, please contact commencement@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.

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 do not need appointments; please visit the Cougar Cupboard webpage for more information.

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.