International Education Center Newsletter

SEVIS Requirements - Maintaining your F1 Visa Status

If this is your first semester 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 clicking on this Check-In-Form (opens in new window) . You will log into your International Student Portal and click on the 4^th tab “Requests & Documents”. You will see the Check In Form under “What can we help you with?”

To maintain your visa 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 only one fully online class can count toward the 12 unit requirement, and that at least 9 units must be completed on-ground.

The International Education Center (IEC) is required to have current information on F1 students. This includes address, phone number, and email address. If you have not provided the International Education Center with your current contact information, please update your information in Corsair Connect (opens in new window) .  If you are unable to update your information in Corsair Connect, please contact the IEC for assistance.

International Student Portal: Verification Letter and I-20 Travel Signature Request

Your International Student Portal (opens in new window) 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.

Do you need a letter to verify your status, fees, units or other requested verifications? Please submit a Verification Letter Request Form. You will log into your International Student Portal and click on the 4^th tab “Requests & Documents”. You will see the Verification Letter Request Form, the I-20 Signature/Replacement Request Form, and other requests you can make under “What can we help you with?”

Please note that processing time may take as many as 8-10 BUSINESS DAYS. Business days do not include holidays, weekends, and other days the IEC is closed. This request must be completed by the student.  Ensuring the information provided is accurate is YOUR responsibility. Errors may require another request to be submitted and a delay in processing.

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.

Housing Resources

Before you start looking for housing, please remember that we do not recommend that you try to secure accommodations while you are still abroad or even outside the Los Angeles area. Because of the prevalence of on-line misrepresentation and fraud, you really do need to be here to personally inspect and approve your accommodations. Something may look perfect to you online but could be unacceptable in person. I do recommend that you start with a short-term Homestay (choose a company that allows one or two months’ stay); that will allow you to arrive secure in the knowledge that you have reserved accommodations. You will also know exactly what it will cost you. From that base, you can then look for something that might suit you better for the long term.  

Unfortunately, SMC does not provide any student housing or airport pick-up, and finding suitable accommodations is the responsibility of each student. We do, however, have a lot of information to help you with your search!  I would suggest you start by taking a look at SMC’s housing web pages (opens in new window) .

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. 

Tap Card and Student ID

Visit the Cashier’s Office page to learn how to request your METRO GoPass (opens in new window) (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 (opens in new window) from the Cashier’s Office through the SMC website.

Scholarships

You can get more information by visiting How to Apply for Scholarships (opens in new window)  

Graduating at the end of Fall and want to apply for OPT?

Students graduating at the end of the fall semester can apply for OPT beginning 90 days before the end of the semester, September 24th. Contact a counselor now to request the ‘OPT request form'. Instructions will then be sent to you about how to meet with an Immigration Specialist to complete the application for OPT.

Post Completion Options Workshop

An immigration attorney will be hosting a workshop on Post Completion Options. Stay tuned for more information. You can download last year’s presentation.

Health Insurance

On August 25, 2025 the Santa Monica College insurance policy was updated to Cigna from the previous GeoBlue policy.

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.

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 (opens in new window)  or by downloading the Cigna Envoy app (opens in new window)  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 (opens in new window)
• Cigna Global Health Benefits: Using Cigna Envoy (opens in new window)
• Cigna Plan Brochure (opens in new window)

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 (opens in new window) (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/ (opens in new window)
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 ALCSMC. 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 (opens in new window)  that shares your interests! This is also a nice way to explore new interests.

Follow the Associated Students Instagram page (opens in new window)  for the latest updates and information on club events, such as Club Row!