Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary off-campus employment authorization that you apply for during your final semester while enrolled in classes and begin employment after your program end date. OPT is available to international students who have been in valid F-1 status for at least two consecutive semesters and who plan to seek employment in the U.S. related to their program of study. Work while on OPT must be related to the student's program of study. OPT is recommended by the Office of International Affairs and then approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It will take the USCIS Service Center approximately 3-5 months to process your application, so we recommend that you apply early. You cannot start employment until you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card.
You have a 60 day grace period after your final term enrolled in courses (I-20 end date) and can do the following in order to maintain your F-1 status.
- OPT Application instructions
- Travel within the U.S. (do not travel outside of the U.S., as you cannot re-enter the U.S. during this period on your F-1 visa)
- Transfer to another SEVP-approved institution
- Start a new program at SIUE
- Change your visa status (if eligible)
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 insurance charge as well as the administrative fee for each semester they are only enrolled in UNIV 500.
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.
Students who wish to not enroll in Univ 500 will need to request a waiver for continuous enrollment. Submit Graduate Student Request Form and choose "Graduate student seeking either to enroll in UNIV 500 (Continuous Enrollment) or to request to waive the Continuous Enrollment requirement."
