Ready to Apply for OPT?

If you are completing your degree requirements in Spring 2024, join one of our OPT Workshops!

To participate in our workshops, you must first complete the Online OPT Application Training and submit the Acknowledgement of Training at the end of the module! After you have completed the training and the acknowledgement, our office will contact you with the details of the workshop.

• Wednesday Feb. 14: 3:00 – 4:00 pm
• Monday Feb. 19: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
• Tuesday Feb. 20: 2:00 – 3:00 P.M.
• Wednesday Feb. 28: 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
• Thursday Feb 29: 3:00 4:00 p.m.

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.

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.

Are you completing your degree this Spring semester? Students who will be completing their academic program in May 2024 and planning to attend Spring 2024 Commencement need to submit an application by March 1st, 2024.

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.

Intensive English Pathway (IEP) - English Workshops

SIUE's international students are invited to attend English workshops to practice their verbal and written skills. Workshops are held from 2-2:45pm on Tuesday and Wednesday of each week, with the same lesson available to suit different students' schedules. All international students are invited to join any day at no cost, and can stop by anytime without registration.

Details can also be found on the IEP website. February workshops include:

• Feb 13 & 14: Speaking - Pacing of Speaking
• Feb 20 & 21: Writing - Plagiarism (Part 3) Paraphrasing Strategies
• Feb 27 & 28: Speaking - Intonation 

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.

Mobile Food Bank

The ST. Louis Area Foodbank is hosting a monthly "Food on the Move" food truck in Madison, IL. The dates for each event is listed below, with the next one on February 26.

Students will need to provide their zip code and number of people in their household. Bring your own bags or totes to carry your items.

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. Sign-ups 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.