How to Open a File in SACM

by Yousef Alqurashi

Do you know that the most important step for Saudi students in the US is opening a file in SACM, Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission? SACM is a governmental sponsor for most Saudi students in the US. Let me explain how you can open a file easily.

First of all, get your immigration documents ready. The documents you need are your passport, I-20, I-94, acceptance letter from the ELI and your visa. It is a good idea to scan your passport, acceptance letter and your visa before you arrive in the US and save those file in your computer to facilitate the next steps. If you could not scan them before you arrive, scan them with the rest of your documents and collect them in a one folder in your computer. Be sure to make them JPG or PDF files and their size should be less than 500 Kilobytes. Once you finish this step go to the next step which is much easier.

Then, go to www.sacm.org. Next, click on Electronic Services and click on Student Sign Up and follow the instructions. Be sure to read all the instructions carefully because they may change the instructions from time to time. When you finish the application, check your email to find your username and password. Then, you are done.

When you open your file in SACM, you can enjoy a lot of services. In fact, you should open the file in order to get your stipend. Also, you can request any order you want it through your account. For example, you can request your financial guarantee, travel ticket and request for attending a symposium through Request a Service in your home page.

To wrap up, opening a file in SACM is an easy process. However, it may take as long as a week to successfully open it because the number of Saudi students in the US is large. I recommend that you open your file as soon as you arrive in the US to avoid any delay that may happen.