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

September 30, 2020

On September 25, 2020 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed a rule to eliminate Duration of Status (D/S) for F-1 students and their F-2 dependents. The proposed rule would eliminate D/S, and individuals entering the U.S. in F-1 status would be admitted for a specified length of time with the option to apply for an extension.

Please note that NOTHING has changed yet. This is a proposed rule. The public has 30 days to comment on this proposal. DHS will then consider the comments and publish a final rule with an effective date.

We are in the process of analyzing this proposed rule change and are working with our colleagues at other colleges as well as professional associations to advocate on behalf of our international students. We will promptly update you as soon as we receive additional information.

Please feel free to contact us at intled@smc.edu if you have any questions or concerns. As always we are here to help.

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

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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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