Requesting an MIT “Certificate of Eligibility” Document (Form I-20 or Form DS-2019)

Requesting “Certificate of Eligibility” Immigration Documents

WELCOME & CONGRATULATIONS ON ADMISSION TO MIT!
The International Students Office (ISO) looks forward to welcoming and supporting all new/incoming international students throughout their MIT journey.

IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ATTENDING MIT

U.S. Student Immigration Categories

Individuals who are NOT U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents (Green Card holders) may enroll/study at MIT if they have a valid U.S. immigration status that authorizes participation in an academic program.

Attending MIT in F-1 or J-1 Status: Individuals who study at MIT in F-1 or J-1 status MUST meet U.S. immigration requirements and obtain a “Certificate of Eligibility” immigration document BEFORE beginning a program at MIT. The most common student immigration categories used at MIT are:

  • F-1 (Student) Status: This nonimmigrant status requires a Form I-20 “Certificate of Eligibility” document.
  • J-1 (Student Exchange Visitor) Status: This nonimmigrant status requires a Form DS-2019 “Certificate of Eligibility” document.
    • NOTE: At MIT, the ISO issues all “Certificate of Eligibility” documents for individuals who will study at MIT in F-1 or J-1 status, as well as any eligible dependents (F-2 or J-2).

Most Appropriate U.S. Immigration Category: F-1 or J-1: The majority of international students at MIT hold F-1 student status. However, in specific cases, such as participation in the MIT Visiting Student Program (VSP), the J-1 Student Exchange Visitor status is the more appropriate option.

  • For details on eligibility, benefits, requirements, and key differences between the F-1 and J-1 status, refer to the ISO U.S. Student Immigration Categories webpage.

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Definition of a “Certificate of Eligibility” Document

A “Certificate of Eligibility” (Form I-20 for F-1 student status or Form DS-2019 for J-1 student status) is the official immigration document used to verify an individual’s eligibility to study and remain in the U.S. in F or J immigration status.

  • NOTE: A “Certificate of Eligibility” document is REQUIRED when applying for a U.S. visa sticker/stamp, to enter the U.S., and to maintain a valid U.S. immigration status.

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“Certificate of Eligibility” Request Timelines

All new/incoming international students requesting an MIT-issued “Certificate of Eligibility” document, Form I-20 (for F-1 student status) or Form DS-2019 (for J-1 student status) MUST follow the submission timelines below:

  • Spring Term Start (January/February): Individuals beginning their MIT program in the upcoming Spring academic term may submit requests to the ISO (via iMIT) ONLY AFTER October 15 of the current year.
    • Example: Individuals starting their MIT program in Spring 2026 can ONLY submit their requests to the ISO AFTER October 15, 2025.
  • Summer Term Start (June/July): Individuals beginning their MIT program in the upcoming Summer academic term may submit requests to the ISO (via iMIT) ONLY AFTER February 15 of the program start year.
    • Example: Individuals starting their MIT program in Summer 2026 can ONLY submit their requests to the ISO AFTER February 15, 2026.
  • Fall Term Start (September): Individuals beginning their MIT program in the upcoming Fall academic term may submit requests to the ISO (via iMIT) ONLY AFTER April 15 of the program start year.
    • Example: Individuals starting their MIT program in Fall 2026 can ONLY submit their requests to the ISO AFTER April 15, 2026.

CRITICAL REMINDER: The ISO reserves the right to request additional financial documentation if necessary to complete the processing of a “Certificate of Eligibility” immigration document, and to ensure that individuals are appropriately prepared for a visa sticker/stamp interview and entry to the U.S.


COMPLIANCE REMINDER: Individuals MUST retain all original immigration and financial documentation required for a visa sticker/stamp application and entry into the U.S.  

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ACCESSING iMIT TO REQUEST IMMIGRATION DOCUMENT(S)

Before an individual can submit the required materials to the ISO (via iMIT) and obtain an MIT “Certificate of Eligibility” document for F-1 or J-1 status, they and their MIT department MUST complete the steps outlined below BEFORE access to iMIT can be granted.

REMINDER: Requests can ONLY be made in iMIT if it is within the designated submission timelines.

Required Steps:

  1. Accept admission to MIT.
  2. Pay all required deposits or fees (if applicable).
  3. Create an MIT email account (Kerberos ID).
  4. Ensure the MIT department has activated the individual’s MIT record in the Grade20/Slate databases.
  5. Allow 48 HOURS for processing after completing Steps 1–4.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Access to iMIT can ONLY be granted after all five (5) steps above have been completed.

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Access to iMIT Approved, Next Steps

Once an individual gains access to iMIT, they MUST log in to iMIT through “Full Client Services for Students”, and follow the instructions on this webpage to request the required “Certificate of Eligibility” immigration document.

  • NOTE: When logging into iMIT through “Full Client Services for Students”, under “Account Provider”, select “MIT Kerberos account (or MIT web certificate)” and click “Continue”.
    • If using a personal computer with an MIT personal digital certificate, select “Use Certificate – Go.”
    • Otherwise, use the “No Certificate? Use Kerberos username” section. The individual would then need to enter their MIT email username and password, then select “Login”.

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Troubleshooting iMIT Access

If, after completing all five (5) steps above, access to iMIT is still unavailable, the individual should try the following:

  • A. Clear the web browser’s cache and cookies.
  • B. Use an incognito/private browsing window to log into iMIT.
  • C. Confirm login is through “Full Client Services for Students”.
  • D. Restart the computer, then try steps A.–C. again.
  • E. If, after following steps A.–D., the individual still does not have access to iMIT, they MUST contact the MIT department (Step #4) to confirm that their MIT student record has been activated in the Grade20/Slate databases.
    • If Step #4 has not yet been completed, individuals MUST wait until their MIT department activates their MIT student record, and then complete Step #5 again.
    • If all steps have been completed and access issues continue, individuals should contact their ISO Advisor for assistance.

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HOW TO REQUEST MIT “CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY” DOCUMENT(S)

Submit a Request Based on Academic Category

At MIT, students are classified under different academic categories, all of which may qualify for F-1 or J-1 status, depending on their specific program and funding details. All new/incoming international students MUST follow the instructions below based on their MIT academic category classification.

CRITICAL WARNING: Information and documentation submitted to the ISO or any U.S. government agencies MUST ALWAYS be carefully reviewed for accuracy BEFORE submission. Incomplete requests or e-Forms containing errors or unacceptable documentation will delay the processing of immigration documents.

MIT Degree Students

  1. Log in to iMIT following the steps in the Access to iMIT Approved, Next Steps section.
  2. After logging in to iMIT, navigate to the left sidebar of the “iMIT Services Home Page” and select “Admission”.
  3. Choose either “New F-1 Student Application” or “J-1 Application for New Student”.
    1. NOTE: For details on eligibility, benefits, requirements, and key differences between the F-1 and J-1 status, refer to the ISO U.S. Student Immigration Categories webpage.
  4. Select “Start a New Request”.
  5. Complete ALL seven (7) of the required e-Forms in the request, including the last one, “Submit Request for Form I-20/Form DS-2019”.

CRITICAL REMINDER: Review the ISO Financial Documentation Requirements webpage BEFORE submitting a request to iMIT.

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MIT Special, Exchange, & Sloan Visiting Fellows Students

  1. Log in to iMIT following the steps in the Access to iMIT Approved, Next Steps section.
  2. After logging in to iMIT, navigate to the left sidebar of the “iMIT Services Home Page” and select “Admission”.
  3. Choose either “New F-1 Student Application” or “J-1 Application for New Student”.
    • NOTE: For details on eligibility, benefits, requirements, and key differences between the F-1 and J-1 status, refer to the ISO U.S. Student Immigration Categories webpage.
  4. Select “Start a New Request”.
    • **IMPORTANT**: In the “Program Information” e-Form of the request, individuals in the Special, Exchange, or Sloan Visiting Fellows (SVF) programs MUST select “Non-Degree” for both the “Academic Degree Sought at MIT” and “Academic Level” fields.
  5. Complete ALL seven (7) of the required e-Forms in the request, including the last one, “Submit Request for Form I-20/Form DS-2019”.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Detailed information on MIT Non-Degree Student Categories, including Special Students, Exchange Students, and Sloan Visiting Fellows (SVF), can be found on the MIT Office of Graduate Education (OGE) website [here].

CRITICAL REMINDER: Review the ISO Financial Documentation Requirements webpage BEFORE submitting a request to iMIT.

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MIT Visiting Students Program (VSP)

  1. Log in to iMIT following the steps in the Access to iMIT Approved, Next Steps section.
  2. After logging in to iMIT, navigate to the left sidebar of the “iMIT Services Home Page”, select “Visiting Student Services (Non-Degree)” [REQUIRED].
  3. Next:
  4. Complete ALL of the required e-Forms in the request, including the last one, “Submit Request for Visiting Student”.

CRITICAL REMINDER: Review the ISO Financial Documentation Requirements webpage BEFORE submitting a request to iMIT.

TIP: Individuals participating in the MIT Visiting Students Program (VSP) who have additional questions are encouraged to use the search tool at the top of the ISO website, review the comprehensive ISO Visiting Students FAQ webpage, or contact their designated ISO Advisor for assistance.

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F-1 or J-1 Students Already in the U.S.

Individuals who are currently in the U.S. under F-1 or J-1 student status at another U.S. academic institution and plan to continue in the same immigration status while beginning a new full-time program of study at MIT MUST complete a “SEVIS Record Transfer” of their active F-1 or J-1 record to MIT. Step-by-step instructions for completing this process are available on the ISO website [here].

COMPLIANCE ALERT: Some individuals may be ineligible for a “SEVIS Record Transfer”. Refer to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) webpage [here] for transfer eligibility requirements.

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Individuals in a Non-Student Immigration Status

ATTENTION: Individuals already in the U.S. under another immigration status (e.g., H, O, L, E, TN) and want to change to F-1/J-1 status MUST review the ISO’s Change of Immigration Status webpage and consult their ISO Advisor for guidance.

Will Study at MIT in Another U.S. Immigration Status (Non-F-1 or J-1): Individuals who plan to study at MIT while remaining in a different U.S. immigration status (not F-1 or J-1) MUST ensure that their immigration information is accurately updated with MIT.

  • To complete this update, individuals MUST submit the required information and documentation to the ISO by following the steps below:
    • Step 1: Log in to iMIT by following the steps in the “Access to iMIT Approved, Next Steps” section.
    • Step 2: Complete the Immigration Online Check-In requirement by submitting the correct Online Check-In e-Form.
      • Example: If the individual’s MIT program begins in Fall 2026, the individual MUST select the “Fall 2026 Check-In” box.
      • NOTE: If the correct [Academic Term and Year] Check-In box is NOT yet listed, individuals MUST wait until it becomes available, typically three (3) weeks BEFORE the MIT program start date.
    • Step 3: Once logged in, navigate to the left sidebar of the “iMIT Services Home Page” and select “Upon Arrival”.
    • Step 4: Choose the appropriate [Academic Term and Year] Check-In box and select “Start a New Request”.
    • Step 5: Complete and submit ALL sections of the required Immigration Online Check-In e-Form.
      • NOTE: A “Letter of Support” from an individual’s attorney or employer MUST be submitted, confirming the individual’s eligibility to study in the U.S.

REMINDER: Individuals studying at MIT while remaining in a different U.S. immigration status (not F-1 or J-1) are NOT required to complete the International Student Orientation requirement.

CRITICAL ALERT: Individuals in employer-sponsored statuses (e.g., H-1B, O-1, L-1, E-3, TN) CANNOT engage in on-campus work/employment (paid or unpaid), as they are ONLY authorized to engage in work/employment for their sponsoring employer.

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IMPORTANT REMINDERS

COMPLIANCE REMINDER: All students MUST be in F-1, J-1, or another status that allows full-time study BEFORE enrolling in classes at MIT. Those changing to F-1 or J-1 status will need to pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee.

The resources outlined throughout the ISO website provide specific guidance on the steps an individual MUST complete to ensure timely processing of an MIT “Certificate of Eligibility” immigration document and a smooth transition to the United States. Individuals should review all the information and links provided CAREFULLY.

CRITICAL WARNING: All new/incoming international students are NOT allowed to engage in off-campus work/employment, either paid or unpaid, or for a company outside the U.S., until they are eligible and have been authorized.

To become eligible for off-campus work/employment, F-1/J-1 students MUST be inside the U.S., maintaining their F-1/J-1 status for two (2) academic terms (i.e., Fall 2026 and Spring 2027). Refer to the ISO website [here] for more information.

“Certificate of Eligibility” Reminders

The ISO will review all the information and documentation submitted to iMIT. If more details are needed, the ISO will contact individuals at their @mit.edu email address.

  • MIT “Certificate of Eligibility” (Form I-20 or Form DS-2019) documents will ONLY be issued AFTER the ISO reviews and approves ALL e-Forms and documentation.
    • ISO Processing Times: 15 business days, excluding weekends and holidays.
    • Incorrect or Incomplete Documentation: Requests that contain mistakes, missing documents, or inaccurate information will delay the issuance of the “Certificate of Eligibility” document(s).
      • NOTE: Individuals should regularly check their @mit.edu email accounts for updates.
  • After approval, the ISO will send an email to the individual’s @mit.edu address on file, notifying them that their “Certificate of Eligibility” immigration documentation has been issued and is available electronically in the Document Viewer section of their iMIT Portal account.
    • NOTE: All “Certificate of Eligibility” documents are ONLY available electronically. They are NOT available for mailing or in-person pick-up.

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Academic Program Date Reminders

  • All MIT “Certificate of Eligibility” immigration documents’ start and end dates are determined by MIT’s official academic calendar dates.
    • NOTE: The ISO can ONLY issue F and J immigration documents based on the official academic calendar dates.
      • Exception: The MIT Visiting Students Program (VSP).

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SEVIS ID Number Reminders

The SEVIS ID Number is a special number that:

  • Identifies each individual in the U.S. immigration databases.
  • Always starts with the letter “N”, followed by 10 numbers (for example, N0012345678).
  • Will always be printed on “Certificate of Eligibility” immigration documents:
    • F Status: The number is located in the top-left section of the Form I-20.
    • J Status: The number is located in the top-right section of the Form DS-2019.
  • Is REQUIRED to make a visa sticker/stamp interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate.
  • Will ONLY be created after the ISO issues a “Certificate of Eligibility” immigration document (Form I-20 or Form DS-2019).

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Dependent (F-2 & J-2) Reminders

  • Each dependent (F-2 or J-2) will have their own SEVIS ID Number.
  • The SEVIS Fee MUST only be paid once, using the F-1 or J-1 SEVIS ID Number.
    • F-1/J-1 students are NOT required to pay a separate SEVIS Fee for their dependents.
  • The F-1/J-1 student’s SEVIS ID Number (NOT the dependent’s) should be used to make a visa appointment.

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SEVIS Fee (Form I-901) Reminders

Before applying for an F or J visa sticker/stamp, each F-1 or J-1 student MUST pay the SEVIS Fee (Form I-901).

  • The SEVIS Fee MUST be paid BEFORE scheduling the visa sticker/stamp interview at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate.
  • Detailed instructions and payment options are available on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website [here].
  • After payment, individuals MUST save and print a copy of the SEVIS Fee Payment Receipt, as it will be needed for the visa sticker/stamp interview and when entering the U.S.

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External Sponsorship (Fulbright) Reminders

Individuals whose MIT program is sponsored by an external organization, such as Fulbright, will receive their J-1 Form DS-2019 directly from that sponsoring organization.

  • These individuals will enter the U.S. in J-1 student status under their sponsor’s program.
  • They MUST register as full-time students at MIT during the academic year.
  • Individuals in non-MIT-sponsored J-1 status MUST still submit required documentation and information to MIT/the ISO through iMIT. For additional details, they should review the ISO MIT Post-Arrival Checklist webpage.

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

ISO Resources

  • MIT Pre-Arrival Checklist webpage
  • U.S. Entry Visa Sticker/Stamp Requirements webpage
    • Applying for a New U.S. Student Entry Visa in a Third-Party Country webpage
    • Third-Party Country Visa Applicants webpage
  • Entering the U.S. webpage
  • First-Time/New MIT Student Entering the U.S. webpage
  • MIT Post-Arrival Checklist webpage
  • Required Online Check-In webpage
  • Orientation Program webpage
  • Obtaining the Form I-94 Record webpage
  • U.S. Port-of-Entry Inspection & Common Questions information
  • Traveling With Electronic Devices, Data, & Equipment Information
  • Secondary Inspection information
  • Special Situations information
  • How to Contact the ISO for Assistance Information

U.S. Government Resources

  • The U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) Travel for International Visitors webpage
  • The U.S. Department of State (DOS) J-1 Exchange Visitor Entering the United States information
  • The U.S. Department of State (DOS) J-1 Exchange Visitor webpage

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Disclaimer: The information on this webpage is only for MIT-sponsored students.

For additional questions, individuals should first review the ISO Getting Started web pages thoroughly. They are encouraged to use the ISO search tool (located at the top of the ISO website) or consult the comprehensive FAQ section in the ISO Knowledge Base. MIT students may also contact their designated ISO Advisor directly for assistance.

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MIT Division of Graduate and Undergraduate Education