International Education Center

Current Students

 

Important Travel Advisory/Reentry Update

We understand that some F-1 Visa students may be concerned about the potential impact of the upcoming change in the U.S. federal administration on their ability to reenter the United States.  It is important to stay informed during times of change.

While we do not currently anticipate problems, we recommend that you reenter the U.S. no later than January 15, 2025, to minimize the chance of complications.   

Please Note: There are many variables that can affect the entry process, please follow the steps below to improve your chances of a smooth reentry:

Ensure Your Visa and Documentation are Valid

  • Make sure your F-1 Student visa is valid for reentry. If your visa has expired, you’ll need to apply for a new one before traveling.  Be sure to contact our Immigration Team to discuss the visa application process before you travel. 
  • Double-check your passport’s expiration date. It should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended return date to the U.S.
  • Always carry your I-20 signed by a Designated School Official (DSO).  While the Travel Signature on your I-20 is valid for one (1) year, we strongly encourage you to obtain a new travel signature each time you leave the U.S.  You may request a travel signature by logging into your International Student Portal (opens in new window) .  Navigate to the Requests and Documents Tab and click on the I-20 signature/Replacement Request Form Icon.
  • Print and carry with you proof of winter/spring 2025 course registration. 
  • Have the contact information of the International Education Center (IEC) handy.  Please reach out to us if you are experiencing difficulties entering the U.S.  We also encourage you to give the IEC contact information to the airport officials so that they can directly reach out to us to verify your student status.   

We hope you have a safe and restful winter break, and we look forward to serving you in the new year. 

Enrollment Requirements for F-1 Students

  • Fall/Spring: All F-1 status students must enroll in a minimum of 12 units and only 1 online class can count toward the required 12 unit minimum. At least 9 units must be on-ground or hybrid, and only one (1) fully online course of no more than 3 units will count towards the 12-unit requirement. The rest of your courses must be on-ground or hybrid. If you need help finding and enrolling in on-ground or hybrid courses, please speak with an IEC Counselor (opens in new window) . 
  • Winter/Summer: If your FIRST term in F-1 status is Winter or Summer*, you must enroll in a minimum of 4 units, 3 of which must be on-ground/hybrid. Only 1 online class can count toward the required 4-unit minimum. After your first term, enrollment in Winter/Summer terms is OPTIONAL. *Also applies to students coming back from OPT and Transfer Students starting at SMC in Winter/Summer.

Please adjust your schedule accordingly. If you need help finding and enrolling in on-ground or hybrid courses, please meet with an IEC Counselor (opens in new window) .

Click here to see the Class Schedule. (opens in new window)

Travel to the U.S. 

Continuing students travel to the U.S.:
  • IMPORTANT:  When you plan to re-enter the United States, you may need to obtain a travel signature for your I-20. Please contact the International Education Center at Intled@smc.edu at least two (2) weeks before you travel.  

Information for Current Students