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 clicking on this Check-In-Form link.

To maintain your visa status and keep your SEVIS record active, it is important to enroll in and complete at least 12 units and to follow the on-ground requirement. The on-ground requirement states that most classes (at least 9 units) should be on-ground and only one online class of 1 to 3 units can count toward the 12 unit requirement.

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 on Corsair Connect.  If you are unable to update your information in Corsair Connect, please contact the IEC for assistance.

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 SMC’s housing web pages.

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 (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.

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 90 days before the end of the semester:  September 20th. 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. Download last year’s presentation.

Health Insurance

Starting on August 25, 2023, the Santa Monica College insurance policy was changed to GeoBlue. All F-1 students will be enrolled automatically after paying tuition and fees on your student account.

GeoBlue is using the Blue Cross PPO Network. Please only use contracted Blue Cross PPO providers to save money on your out-of-pocket costs.  It is always your responsibility to verify providers are contracted with Blue Cross before seeking services.

Please look for your Welcome Email from GeoBlue.  This will have your Certificate number and a link to geobluestudents.com where you will be able to download your ID card.  The card is for your use only. Never lend this card to other students. Carry your ID card with you at all times! You will need your card when you visit a physician’s office, urgent care, hospital, or pharmacy.

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

Other Details:

Coverage for annual cervical cytology screening and mammography screening

No coverage for routine annual physicals

Immunizations are covered at the SMC Student Health Center ONLY

AcademicLiveCare

Students enrolled in the medical plan are eligible for AcademicLiveCare!

This is a TeleHealth platform for virtual doctor visits 24/7 from your smartphone, computer, or other mobile device – all with $0 cost to you!

• Services include General Care, Urgent Care, Psychiatry, Therapy/Counseling, and Nutritional counseling

To use this service – follow these simple steps:

1. Log into: academiclivecare.com
2. Click “Get Connected”, and then visit “AcademicLiveCare”
3. Sign up using your school email address or Log in 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 your Coupon Code.  Enter the code and click apply to make the cost of your visit free.   To find your coupon code, please check your SMC email as the code is listed in the AcademicLiveCare welcome email.  Please be sure to check your spam filter, if you do not see this email. 

For a visual guide, download the AcademicLiveCare User Guide

If you have any questions about the new insurance plan or how to use AcademicLiveCare, please visit our website, mycare26.com/

For more information, please visit this webpage for useful links and guidance: Health Care Insurance

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! 

 Meet our Peer Mentors!

Keep in touch with our Peer Mentors through Unibuddy and their Blogs!