Great news on F-1 visa and travel regulations for new Fall 2021 international students.
With the successful rollout of vaccines, the United States is once again a world leader in public health and safety. The U.S. is lifting travel restrictions and is reopening its schools and businesses. There is no better or safer time to begin your studies at Santa Monica College.
Starting on January 26, 2021, all air passengers entering the U.S. will be required to provide Proof of a negative viral COVID-19 test within the 3 days before boarding a flight to the U.S. Please visit the CDC website for more details.
February 16, 2021
Due to an increase in COVID cases in the U.S. and abroad, it is possible that new travel restrictions for F-1 visa students seeking to re-enter the U.S. may be enacted.
We strongly advise you not to travel outside the United States if you can avoid it.
If you must travel, please be sure to check with your country’s U.S. embassy to find out if there are travel restrictions that apply to F-1 visa students traveling from your country back to the U.S. You may also inquire with the airlines to find out if there are any restrictions or requirements to re-enter the U.S.
If you must travel, be sure to request an updated travel signature for your I-20. Submit the travel signature request form to intled@smc.edu from your SMC email account at least 2 weeks before your return to the U.S. We will email you an updated I-20 with a travel signature and a travel support letter.
Please note, SMC and IEC are closed on the following days:
Monday May 31, 2021
Monday July 5, 2021
Monday September 6, 2021
Wednesday November 11, 2021
Thursday, Friday November 26-27, 2021
Friday, December 24, 2021 through Sunday, January 2, 2022
Contact the International Education Center for assistance with:
Contact International Counseling for the following:
Welcome to Santa Monica College! SMC is recognized as one of the best community colleges in California and the nation. SMC provides the first two years of American university education to help you get where you want to be. SMC is the #1 school to transfer to the UC system, USC, and Loyola Marymount University. SMC is #2 nationwide to Columbia University and #1 among schools west of the Mississippi River.
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SMC offers many programs, like the Intensive English Program and 180 degrees and certificates.
Join our community of more than 3,400 international students from 100 countries.
The International Education Center supports students with many services, like orientation, academic advising, activities, immigration assistance and more.
Go Global with SMC! Travel in a study abroad program and engage in our nationally-recognized Global Citizenship program with various campus events and activities.
Spring 2021
Out of country: January 22, 2021
In Country: January 22, 2021
Summer 2021
Out of country: April 15
In Country: May 5, 2021
Fall 2021
Out of country: July 1
In country: July 15
Winter 2022
Out of country: Oct 15
In country: Nov 15
International Education Center Office Hours
Mon-Thurs: 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Closures April 12 and May 31
International Counseling (Spring 2021)
Mon - Thurs: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
IEC Counseling will be closed during Spring Break (April 12 - 16). We wil return on Monday, April 19 at 9 a.m. PST.
