Deferral Request Deadline: September 15, 2024
Students Admitted for the Fall 2024 semester who wish to defer their admission to the Spring 2025 semester must submit their request by September 15 via email to intladm@siue.edu.
Take Your Next Steps
Students who have been admitted to the university and secured their student visa can begin to get connected to the university. The office of international admissions is excited to provide you with the resources you need to take the next step to becoming a Cougar!
Carefully review the information provided to make your transition to the U.S. as smooth as possible. The most complete and up-to-date arrival information is maintained on the International Student and Scholar Services website.
Video tutorials are available to help you activate your SIUE electronic user name and e-mail account. Once your account is activated, you will have access to CougarNet, our online system for managing your personal information and getting registered for classes.
As you prepare to arrive in Edwardsville, please keep in mind the following important dates:
Spring 2024
January 6 and 7: Ideal arrival dates
January 8: International Student Orientation (mandatory)
January 13: Classes Begin
If you are transferring from another U.S. institution, please refer to the information provided on Transfer Application website regarding transferring your SEVIS record to SIUE.
Step 1 – Obtain Your Student Visa
Check your I-20 or DS-2019 for accuracy. If any information is incorrect, email the Office of Graduate and International Admissions at intladm@siue.edu.
Pay your SEVIS fee. Instructions can be found on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website at fmjfee.com. Make sure to type your name and SEVIS ID number exactly as they appear on your I-20 or DS-2019 form. Print a copy of the online payment receipt to keep with your records.
Schedule your visa appointment. You may schedule your appointment up to one year prior to your program start date. Locate the nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy at usembassy.gov. More information regarding the visa process can be found on SIUE's international arrival website.
Attend your visa appointment. Bring all required documents, including your passport (valid at least six months into the future), a printed copy of your I-20 or DS-2019, your SEVIS fee payment receipt, your admission letter, evidence of financial support for one year, and any visa application forms and fees.
Step 2 – Get Connected to SIUE
Activate your SIUE electronic username (e-ID) and email account at siue.edu/e-id (instructions: e-id pdf). Your SIUE ID number (800xxxxxx) is listed on your admission letter. Check your SIUE email account regularly for important University information and updates.
Explore CougarNet (siue.edu/cougarnet), our online system for managing your personal information, registering for classes, viewing your bill and more. You must read and agree to the financial statement to remove the registration hold on your account (video tutorial: siue.edu/financial-agreement-video).
Step 3 – Make Housing Arrangements
Students planning to live in on-campus housing will need to complete a housing application and pay a $50 application fee and $75 deposit. Cougar Village apartments are located on campus, are open year-round, have full kitchens, and can accommodate families, as well as individual students. Visit siue.edu/housing for information about living on campus.
All first-time, full-time students who graduated high school within the last 12 months and are not commuting less than 60 miles from their legal parent/guardian home address must live on campus. To view the required housing policy and information about the exemption process, please visit the Residency Requirement page.
SIUE does not provide housing support for students who choose to live off campus. Information about off-campus housing options can be found at siue.edu/housing/housing-options/off-campus.
Step 4 – Complete Health Service Requirements
Specific immunizations are required for all international students enrolled at SIUE. We recommend that you complete your immunizations before arrival. Visit siue.edu/healthservice/immunization for a list of required immunizations.
Immunization records not in :English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
Immunizations required upon arrival will cost from $75-$200 each.
Step 5 – Register for Classes
Students may register for classes only after obtaining their student visa.
Undergraduate students in STEM majors must register for and take the math placement test before they will be allowed to register for specific courses. Visit siue.edu/testing/tests/placement.shtml for more information.
Once you have received your student visa and activated your e-ID, undergraduate students may request a virtual advising appointment to assist with registration by contacting the Office of Academic Advising at siue.edu/oaa or via email at advising@siue.edu.
Graduate students should contact their graduate program director for information about registration. A list of graduate program directors can be found at siue.edu/graduate-program-directors. Students may not register for classes before obtaining their student visa.
Step 6 – Prepare For Your First Week On Campus
Visit the “Arrival at SIUE” Website at siue.edu/isss/arrival for more information on how to request airport pick-up, and how to check in virtually upon your arrival in the U.S.
International student orientation is mandatory for all new international students and will be held the week prior to the start of the semester. Visit siue.edu/isss/arrival/orientation-schedule for more information.
Gather all documents to be submitted upon your arrival. These may include, but are not limited to, official copies of your transcript, diploma or any other items listed on your acceptance letter. You will need to bring these documents to the admissions office upon your arrival to remove any registration holds on your account.
Complete Health Service requirements by providing your immunization records, with a certified English translation, before arrival. Visit siue.edu/health-service/immunizations/ for a list of required immunizations. Immunizations required upon arrival will cost from $75-$200 for each.
Be prepared to pay your tuition and fees. International students are not required to make a payment before arriving in the U.S. However, a payment should be made soon after registration is complete. Learn more about how and when to pay your SIUE bill at siue.edu/pay-my-bill.
Helpful Links and Videos
- Financial Agreement Tutorial - How to remove your bursar’s hold.
- 10 Points to Remember when Applying for a Student Visa – tips to help you be successful during the visa interview process.
