International Education Center Newsletter

SEVIS Requirements - Maintaining your F1 Visa Status

If this is your first semester in the U.S. at SMC, make sure you submit the check-in form within 10 days of arrival. If you have not done it yet, do it now by logging in to your International Student Portal and clicking the “Requests & Documents” tab.

To maintain your F-1 status and keep your SEVIS record active, it is important to enroll in at least 12 units and to follow the on-ground requirement. The on-ground requirement states that at least 9 units must be on-ground/hybrid and only one fully online class can count toward the 12 unit minimum requirement.

The International Education Center (IEC) is required to have current information on F1 students. This includes address, phone number, and email address. Remember to update your contact information in your Corsair Connect student profile. If you are unable to update your information in Corsair Connect, please contact the IEC for assistance.

Tap Card and Student ID

Visit the Cashier’s Office page to learn how to request your METRO GoPass (TAP Card) to be able to ride the public transportation. Your student benefits fee covers the cost to ride public transportation for the whole semester!

You can also request your Student ID Card through the Cashier’s Office.

Get to know your International Student Portal

Your International Student Portal is where you will find important documents like your Admission Letter and I-20. This is also where you can make requests from the International Education Center. You can request Verification Letters, I-20 Travel Signatures, Transfer Out, and many other requests.

Housing Tips

It’s always important to exercise caution when dealing with housing transactions. We strongly advise that you do not send any cash or make any payments before physically seeing the accommodation and verifying its legitimacy.

Scammers may attempt to take advantage of international students by requesting advance rent or security deposit payments without providing proper documentation or allowing you to visit the property. To avoid falling victim to such scams, follow these guidelines:

1. Visit the property: Schedule a time to visit the accommodation in person. Take a friend with you. This will allow you to inspect the premises, assess its condition, and ensure it matches the description provided.
2. Ask for documentation: Request copies of any necessary paperwork, such as a lease agreement or rental contract. Read and understand the terms and conditions before making any payments.
3. Research the Landlord/Owner: Conduct a background check on the landlord or property owner. Search for their name online, verify their contact information, and consider checking reviews or testimonials from previous tenants.
4. Proof of Ownership: Ask for proof of ownership or authorization to rent the property. This could be in the form of a property title, deed, or other legally binding documentation.
5. Use Secure Payment Methods: When making any payments, use secure methods such as bank transfers, checks, or online platforms.

We would suggest you start by taking a look at the SMC Housing Page.

Since Santa Monica is an upscale urban area, there are many housing options around SMC.  On the downside, apartment rentals tend to be a little more expensive in this immediate area. 

Less expensive rentals may be found in West Los Angeles, Palms, Mar Vista, Westwood and Culver City – all within an easy commute of Santa Monica College. 

Is your I-20 Expiring?

If your I-20 is expiring at the end of Spring 2026 and you need an additional semester or more to finish, meet with an Academic Counselor and submit the Program Extension form in your International Student Portal no later than 30 days before the end date listed on your most recent I-20.  It’s not too early to request an extension if you already know that you will need more time.

Spring Internships (CPT)

Curricular practical training, or CPT, is any alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or practicum that is offered by employers through cooperative agreements with the school. Students must apply and enroll in a required internship class to participate. The application opens February 13^th and closes March 6th, 2026 at 5:00 P.M. for the 4-unit class section (COUNS 90D) and Friday, April 3, 2026 at 5PM for the 1-3 unit sections (COUNS 90A-C). Watch the CPT Presentation Video, visit the Internship Program website, or come talk to an F-1 Immigration Advisor for more information.

Optional Practical Training for Spring graduates

Planning on applying for OPT work permission? Don't wait, apply early, beginning 90 days before the end of the semester, March 18, 2026! Find out how to apply by watching the OPT Presentation

Tax Season

ALL F-1 students who were in the U.S. for 30 days or more in 2025 must complete IRS tax form 8843 

Students who earned income in the U.S. while in F-1 status in 2025 must also complete IRS tax form 1040-NR 

You can complete and file the forms yourself, or pay a tax professional through Sprintax or a similar company to help you. Sprintax has provided discount codes for SMC F-1 students (see below). *Please note that the SMC International Education Center staff cannot assist you individually with tax forms since we have no tax professionals on staff.

SMC Tax Workshop

The IEC is hosting a free Tax Workshop with tax professionals on Zoom on Friday, March 13, 2026 @ 11am Pacific Time - Register for the workshop. The workshop will be recorded and the link will be posted on our website for 90 days, but please plan to attend in person if you want to have a chance to ask questions.

Sprintax Nonresident Tax Webinars

If you plan to file yourself, we suggest attending the SMC Tax Workshop or a Sprintax webinar presented by tax professionals. These free webinars will explain who needs to complete tax forms, how to complete each section of form 8843 and 1040-NR, where to submit, and when to submit. 

• Register for Feb 18th @ 12pm PST
• Register for Feb 24th @ 7am PST
• Register for Mar 5th @ 9am PST 
• Register for Mar 11th @ 10am PDT
• Register for Mar 16th @ 11am PDT 
• Register for Mar 27th @ 8am PDT
• Register for Apr 1st @ 10am PDT
• Register for Apr 7th @ 5am PDT 
• Register for Apr 14th @ 11am PDT

Sprintax Filing Assistance & Discount Codes

If you would like a tax professional to assist you, Santa Monica College has arranged discounted access to Sprintax Tax Preparation for you. Sprintax will guide you through the tax preparation process, arrange the necessary documents and check if you’re due a tax refund. To use Sprintax:

1. Register and follow the simple instructions on the Sprintax website
2. Complete the online questionnaire
3. Enter your unique discount code: 5F25SMC50 in the box on the ‘Review your order’ page (This code only works for the first 50 students to sign up!)
4. Sprintax will prepare your tax return

Once you complete the preparation process in the Sprintax software, you may need to print, sign and mail your documents to the IRS. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to E-file your Federal tax return. You can learn more about eligibility in this Sprintax blog

If you have a state filing requirement, you must also mail this to the tax authorities. Finally, if you only need to file Form 8843, this will also need to be mailed to the IRS.

If you have any questions, the Sprintax team will be happy to help via their 24/7 Live Chat.

Health Insurance

After you pay your insurance fees, you will be enrolled in the mandatory F-1 insurance policy and receive a welcome email from Cigna with your insurance card and information. You will find your member ID number on the insurance card attached to the email.

Cigna uses the Cigna Open Access Plus PPO network. Please use providers who are contracted with Cigna OAP network to save the most money.

Digital ID cards can be accessed 24/7 by creating an account with Cigna Global online at cignaenvoy.com or by downloading the Cigna Envoy app to your smartphone or device. To create your account, you will need to use your Member ID number.

Helpful Resources

• 25-26 SMC Student Insurance Orientation Presentation
• Cigna Global Health Benefits: Using Cigna Envoy
• Cigna Plan Brochure

Health Insurance Plan Highlights

$500,000 annual benefit maximum

$200 annual deductible

Copays

• • $25 office visit copay
  • $25 copay for mental health counseling services
  • $50 urgent care center copay
  • $100 Emergency Room copay 

Prescription drugs – ($3,000 max per year)

• • • • $10 copay for Generic
      • $25 copay for Brand
      • $50 copay for injectables 

Supplemental Dental Coverage up to $750 maximum

AcademicLiveCare – Free TeleHealth Platform

Students enrolled in the medical plan are eligible for AcademicLiveCare (ALC)!

ALC is a telehealth platform for virtual doctor visits 24/7 from your smartphone, computer, or other mobile device – all with $0* cost to you! (*with coupon code)

• Services include Urgent Care, Psychiatry and medication management, Therapy/Counseling, and

                Nutrition

To use this service – follow these simple steps:

1. Log into: https://www.academiclivecare.com/
2. Click “Get Connected and then visit “AcademicLiveCare”
3. Sign up using your school email address or login if you already have an account
4. Complete your profile
5. When prompted enter Service Key ALC – this allows you to see the doctors/providers in California.
6. Once you schedule your appointment, right before you are connected to the provider you will enter Coupon Code ALCSMC25. Enter the code and click apply to make the cost of your visit free.

We wish you a happy and healthy semester!

Join a club

A good way to get involved at SMC and get to know like-minded students, is to join a club that shares your interests! This is also a nice way to explore new interests.

Follow the Associated Students Instagram page for the latest updates and information on club events, such as Club Row!