International Education Center

On Friday, July 24, 2020, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued clarifying guidelines on travel into the United States that impact continuing and new international students.

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Continuing F-1 Visa Students Currently Outside the United States

If you are a continuing student in valid F-1 status as of March 9, 2020, you can re-enter the U.S. even if you are attending an online only school for the fall 2020 semester.

Before traveling into the U.S., you will need the following:

A Travel Signature for your I-20.
A Letter of Support
Copy of New Regulations

Email intled@smc.edu to request a travel signature. The International Education Center will email you a new signed I-20, the letter of support, and a copy of the new regulations. Be sure to have all three documents with you along with a valid passport and F-1 visa when you re-enter the U.S.

New Fall 2020 Students

In accordance with guidance, new F-1 students will not be able to enter the United States to enroll in a U.S. school for the fall 2020 semester to pursue a full course of study that is 100 percent online.

If you are a new student accepted for the Fall 2020 semester, please contact your Admission Coach through I-APP and ask for your I-20 to be deferred to the Winter 2021 term.

You can still enroll in 12 credits and begin your studies from the comfort of your own home. When SMC returns to on-ground instruction, we will issue you an I-20 and you can enter the U.S. to continue your education in person.

Contact

We are here to help and support you.

If you have any questions concerning your current travel restrictions or your F-1 Status, contact the International Education Center using the links below.

International Student FAQ

Coronavirus FAQ

F-1 Important Dates & Deadlines

Contact

Apply to SMC!

Apply to SMC

November 20, 2020

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:

Thursday and Friday, November 26-27, 2020

Wednesday, December 23, 2020 through Sunday, January 3, 2021

Monday, January 18, 2021

Friday, February 12, 2021 - Monday, February 15, 2021

IEC Services

Contact the International Education Center for assistance with:

Immigration and F-1 visa issues
Travel Signatures
Health Insurance questions
Department of Motor Vehicles support
Housing
Verification Letters
Package Program support
Social Security questions

IEC Counseling

Contact International Counseling for the following:

Academic and Transfer Counseling
Educational Planning
Transcript Evaluations
Course Waivers and Substitutions
Personal Counseling and Referrals
Transfer Application Assistance

About SMC

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Click below for addtional information for New Students, Continuing Students, or for information on Special Programs

New Students

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.

New Students Information

Current Students

The International Education Center supports students with many services, like orientation, academic advising, activities, immigration assistance and more.

Current Students Information

Special Programs

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.

Special Programs