New Student F-1 Regulations and Travel to the U.S. Update
Great news on F-1 visa and travel regulations for new Fall 2021 international students.
With the successful roll-out 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.
Clarifications on Travel to the U.S.
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 websitefor more details.
If you are a continuing student in valid F-1 status, you can re-enter the U.S.
Before traveling into the U.S., you will need the following:
A Travel Signature for your I-20.
A Valid F-1 Visa
A Valid Passport
Proof of a negative viral COVID-19 testwithin the 3 days before your flight to the U.S. departs.
A Letter of Support issued by SMC
Copy of New Regulations
Upon arrival to the U.S, you must complete a seven-day quarantine period
Please 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.
If you are a new international student seeking to enter the U.S for the fall 2021
semester you can enter the U.S.
Before traveling into the U.S., you will need the following:
A New Fall 2021 I-20.
A Valid F-1 Visa
A Valid Passport
A Letter of Support issued by SMC
Proof of a negative viral COVID-19 testwithin the 3 days before your flight to the U.S. departs. For more details, please
visit the CDC website.
Copy of New Regulations
Upon arrival to the U.S, you must complete a seven-day quarantine period
If you have any additional questions, please contact your Admissions Coach through
I-APP.
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 Education Center (IEC) Student Services Center (SSC) 3rd Floor 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405 IEC: Mon - Thu 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Fri 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Phone: 310-434-4218 and 310-434-4217 Fax: 310-434-3651
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 September 6, 2021
Wednesday November 11, 2021
Thursday, Friday November 26-27, 2021
Friday, December 24, 2021 through Sunday, January 2, 2022
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 youget 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.
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.
