First-Time/New MIT Student Entering The U.S.

Entering the U.S. — Travel Information for New/Incoming Students

I. NEW/INCOMING STUDENTS U.S. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Required Documents for New/Incoming Students Entering the U.S.

REMINDER: Immigration documents MUST be kept in carry-on luggage, NOT checked baggage.

Individuals requesting entry to the U.S. are REQUIRED to present specific documents to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Port of Entry (POE).

All New/Incoming, Transfer-In, or Return from Leave of Absence (RLOA) students (and any applicable dependents) MUST enter the U.S. in F or J status with all of the following required documentation:

  • Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months into the future at all times.
  • Valid F or J Visa Sticker/Stamp: Required for entry (except for citizens of Canada and Bermuda).
  • Most Recent MIT Certificate of Eligibility: Form I-20 (F-1) or Form DS-2019 (J-1).
  • Proof of I-901 Payment: Copy of the student’s I-901 SEVIS Fee Receipt.
  • Proof of Admission to MIT: Copy of the student’s MIT Admission Letter.
  • Proof of Financial Support: As listed on the student’s MIT Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 document(s).
  • Proof of Home Country Connections: Students and their dependents (if applicable) MUST show that they plan to return to their home country when entering the U.S. in F or J status (i.e., their “non-immigrant intent”).
    • NOTE: The same proof is also required when applying for a visa sticker/stamp at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

IMPORTANT: Individuals traveling to or transiting through a country(s) where they are not a citizen or permanent resident MUST check entry/transit requirements with that country’s embassy/consulate BEFORE departure. A list of Foreign Embassies & Consulates can be found on the U.S. Department of State (DOS) website [here].

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30-Day Entry Rule

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) states that individuals entering the U.S. in F status or J status may enter the U.S. NO EARLIER than 30 days BEFORE the program start date listed on their “Certificate of Eligibility” (Form I-20 or Form DS-2019).

  • Example: If a student’s “Certificate of Eligibility” document has a start date of September 3 [Current Year], the earliest they can enter the U.S. is August 4 3 [Current Year].

The 30-Day Entry Rule Applies To:

  • ALL New/Incoming students (“Initial Attendance”).
  • ALL Transfer-In students (“Transfer Pending”) entering after time abroad.
  • ALL RLOA students returning from an approved MIT Leave of Absence.

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Latest Arrival Date

ATTENTION: All New/Incoming (“Initial Attendance” or “Pending Transfer”) students MUST arrive in the U.S. NO LATER than 25 days after the start date listed on their Form I-20 (F-1) or Form DS-2019 (J-1).

Latest Arrival Deadlines: Ensures MIT can complete the REQUIRED SEVIS immigration reporting to confirm a student’s arrival and enrollment with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DOS) within 30 days of the term start date.

  • *Students unable to arrive by the start date listed on their Form I-20/Form DS-2019 are REQUIRED to contact their ISO Advisor for guidance.
    • NOTE: Some academic programs may require earlier arrival to avoid missed classes or coursework. Students MUST confirm requirements with their academic department/program.
  • Fall 2025 Arrival Deadlines:
    • Undergraduate Students
      • The latest arrival date for all new/incoming F-1 and J-1 undergraduate students is September 12, 2025.
      • Undergraduate students unable to arrive by this date MUST contact their ISO Advisor.*
    • Graduate Students
      • The latest arrival date for new/incoming F-1 and J-1 graduate students is September 28, 2025, or the date REQUIRED by their MIT department/program — whichever date comes first.
      • Graduate students unable to arrive by the deadline mentioned above MUST contact both their ISO Advisor and their academic department/program for guidance on deferring.

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II. TRAVEL REMINDERS & RESOURCES

U.S. Port-Of-Entry Inspection & Common Questions
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers question all travelers upon arrival (“Primary Inspection”) to determine their eligibility to enter the U.S. Officers will review immigration documents and may ask about travel history, purpose of stay, financial support, or family details.
    • NOTE: CBP can also occur through “Preclearance” abroad in certain countries.

IMPORTANT: Admission to the U.S. is ALWAYS at the discretion of the CBP Officer.

Students should carry ALL immigration documents with them in their carry-on luggage and NEVER place them in checked bags. Upon arrival in the U.S., students may be required to:

  • Have fingerprints scanned and a digital photograph taken.
  • Have personal items (e.g., luggage, pockets, bags) inspected.
  • Have documents photocopied or brief interviews recorded for review by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or other U.S. government agencies.
  • Undergo inspection of electronic devices (phone, tablet, laptop, etc.). CBP officers may request passwords and review social media accounts, following the CBP Directive on Border Searches of Electronic Devices.
  • Answer questions from CBP officers at either Primary Inspection or Secondary Inspection.
    • NOTE: Being directed to Secondary Inspection is a standard procedure and does not necessarily indicate a problem. It simply allows CBP to access and review the student’s SEVIS record. Additional information is below in the ‘Secondary Inspection’ section.

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Secondary Inspection

Secondary Inspection is a secure area where a student may be asked to wait and speak individually with a senior U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer. During this process, CBP Officers are able to review detailed information about the student’s immigration status, visa sticker/stamp, and SEVIS record. In secondary inspection, students should be aware of the following:

  • Phone use may be restricted and is only permitted with the approval of the CBP Officer – please follow their directions.
  • Wait times may be lengthy (potentially several hours). These areas typically have access to restrooms and water.
  • There is no way to expedite the process, so students are strongly advised to remain calm and patient.
  • Being sent to secondary inspection does not mean the student has done anything wrong. It is a routine procedure used to complete required security checks, similar to those that occur during visa sticker/stamp processing at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
    • NOTE: If the wait becomes extended, a student may ask CBP for permission to contact someone waiting for them at the airport. CBP Officers also have access to ISO contact information if assistance is needed.

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Travel After Initial Entry (BEFORE Program Start Date)

IMPORTANT: Travel outside the U.S. AFTER an initial entry in F or J status, but BEFORE the program start date on the MIT “Certificate of Eligibility” (Form I-20 or DS-2019), NOT RECOMMENDED.

Crucial Points: After the first entry in F or J status:

  • An individual is NO LONGER in ‘Initial’ status. They are now in ‘Continuing’ status and MUST ALWAYS re-enter the U.S. in ‘Continuing’ F status or J status until the completion of their MIT program or any post-degree work/employment authorization.
  • Leaving the U.S. is NEVER restricted, but re-entry BEFORE the program start date is ONLY possible if specific requirements have been met.

Entry Requirements After Initial Entry: Individuals can ONLY enter the U.S. in ‘Continuing’ F or J status AFTER:

  • 1) SEVIS Record Activation: SEVIS records can ONLY be activated AFTER the program start date and all post-arrival requirements have been completed.
  • 2) Updated “Certificate of Eligibility” Document: A new Form I-20/Form DS-2019 with a valid travel signature can ONLY be requested and issued AFTER the program start date and all post-arrival requirements have been completed.
    • As such, until all post-arrival requirements, including #1 and #2 listed above, are complete, re-entry in F or J status is NOT guaranteed for the individuals who plan to enter the U.S. in F or J status, leave, and try to come back BEFORE the program start date on their “Certificate of Eligibility” document.  For example:
      • Tim entered the U.S. in F-1 status on August 7.
      • He leaves on August 15 and plans to return on August 27, BEFORE his program starts on September 3.
      • At re-entry on August 27, Tim would be considered to be in ‘Continuing’ F status, because he had already made his F-1 ‘Initial’ entry into the U.S.
      • Regrettably, because Tim has NOT completed the post-arrival requirements (including #1 and #2 above), his re-entry to the U.S. is NOT guaranteed, and a CBP officer could deny him entry or issue a Form I-515.
    • Individuals who MUST travel outside the U.S. (e.g., for an emergency) BEFORE their program start date should first enter the U.S. temporarily in another status (e.g., ESTA, B-1/B-2, tourist) and then make their official ‘Initial’ entry in F or J status before the academic term begins.

REMINDER: After entering the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status, all new/incoming, transfer-in, and RLOA students MUST complete all the Post-Arrival Checklist requirements immediately.

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Travel Within the U.S.

Students traveling within the United States (outside the Cambridge/Boston area) are strongly advised to carry their original immigration documents at all times, as evidence of their valid student immigration status in the U.S. These documents may be requested by local or federal authorities, particularly when traveling by airplane, train, or bus, including but not limited to:

  • A valid passport.
  • Printed copy of the most recently issued “Certificate of Eligibility” document (Form I-20 (F-1) or Form DS-2019 (J-1)).
  • Printed copy of the most recently issued I-94 record.
  • Proof of enrollment.
  • Proof of financial support.

IMPORTANT: Travel outside the U.S. AFTER an initial entry in F or J status, but BEFORE the program start date on the MIT “Certificate of Eligibility” (Form I-20 or DS-2019), NOT RECOMMENDED.

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How to Contact the ISO for Assistance

General Inquiries (Non-Emergency): For routine questions, after a student has thoroughly reviewed the ISO website, they may contact the ISO during business hours (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM EST):

Emergency Assistance (After Hours): After-hours contact phone numbers should be used ONLY in emergencies, such as CBP requesting additional information or immediate assistance, being denied entry at a U.S. Port of Entry, or being detained by U.S. government officials.

  • ISO Emergency Line: +1-617-258-5480
  • ISO Emergency Line Unavailable: If the ISO emergency number is unavailable, students can contact MIT Police at +1-617-253-2996 or +1-617-253-1212, and they will notify ISO staff.

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III. SPECIAL SITUATIONS

  • Change of Status in the U.S.: Individuals who change their U.S. immigration status while inside the country MUST apply for a new entry visa sticker/stamp at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad BEFORE re-entering the U.S. after travel.
  • Marriage or Pending Permanent Residency: Individuals who are/or will marry a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident, and have filed (or are included in) a U.S. Permanent Residency (Green Card) petition, MUST consult with their ISO Advisor before finalizing travel plans to the U.S.

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IV. ADDITIONAL TRAVEL RESOURCES

  • MIT Resources:
    • Special Topics in Immigration and International Travel (OGC) webpage.
    • MIT Global Support Resources – Travel and Safety Abroad website.
  • U.S. Government Resources:
    • The U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) Guidelines For Travel Re-Entry For F-1 Non-Immigrants webpage.
    • 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.
    • The U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) Travel For International Visitors webpage.
  • Other Travel Resources:
    • The New England Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Know Your Rights: What to Do if You are Detained at a Port of Entry guide.
    • The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Know Your Rights: Enforcement at the Airport website.

REMINDER: Individuals sponsored by MIT MUST enter the U.S. only in F or J status (F-1/J-1 and F-2s/J2s). Entry in any other U.S. immigration status (B-1/B-2, ESTA/VWP, etc.) will terminate F/J status and result in the loss of legal eligibility to remain and study in the U.S.

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

For additional questions, students should first review the ISO Entering the U.S. for All International Students 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