Welcome New Students! We're Glad You're Here!
Please reach out to us anytime with your questions. You can call us at 310-434-4218, email us at intled@smc.edu, or come in to the International Education Center (IEC) office on the third floor of the Student Services Center on campus. We are here to help guide you and make your transition to SMC easy!
The International Education Center encourages you to login to your International Student Portal(opens in new window), which , which you will use to submit required information such as the mandatory Check In Form for new students and request F-1 benefits such as reduced course loads, I-20 travel signatures, assistance with Optional Practical Training (OPT), and much more.
New Student Travel
New students with Initial status I-20s are allowed to enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the start of the semester. We advise you to enter the U.S. at least a few weeks before classes start to give yourself a chance to get settled before classes start. Please Note: The earliest you may enter the U.S. is 30 days before the Program Start Date listed on your I-20.
There are many variables that can affect the entry process, please follow the steps below to improve your chances of a smooth reentry into the United States:
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.
- 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).
- Print and carry with you proof of enrollment.
- Bring the International Education Center (IEC) contact information with you. Please reach out to us if you experience any difficulties entering the U.S., and feel free to give the IEC contact information to airport officials so that they can directly reach out to us to verify your student status.
Fall/Spring Enrollment Requirements for F-1 Students
PLEASE NOTE: All international students on an F-1 Visa must enroll in a minimum of 12 units and only 1 online class can count toward the required 12 unit minimum.
Both fully on-ground and hybrid sections of classes "count" as on-ground per the F-1 regulations. Only fully online classes are limited to no more than 1 within your first required 12 units.
If you need help finding and enrolling in on-ground or hybrid courses for Spring 2026, please speak with an International Student Counselor by joining a Zoom Express session.
Click here to see the Class Schedule.
Winter/Summer Enrollment Requirements for F-1 Students
You must be enrolled in at least 4 units, 3 of which must be on-ground or hybrid. No more than one fully online class can "count" toward your required enrollment.
New Student Applicants
Don't wait. Get started towards achieving your educational goals now. Click Below to Apply!