Entering the U.S. (Continuing F-1 Students)

Entering the U.S. — Travel Information for Current F-1 Students

CRITICAL WARNING: Failure to carry all required immigration documents may result in DENIAL of entry to the United States and/or loss of F-1 status and associated benefits.

I. TRAVEL GUIDANCE BY STUDENT ACADEMIC STATUS

REQUIRED TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION FOR F-1 STUDENTS & F-2 DEPENDENTS

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

Current F-1 Students Entering The U.S.

All currently enrolled F-1 students (i.e., not yet graduated) MUST bring the correct immigration documents when entering the U.S. Therefore, BEFORE booking or traveling outside the U.S., students MUST review the entry requirements and ensure that they have all of the following REQUIRED documentation to enter the U.S. in F-1 status:

  • Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months into the future at all times.
  • Valid F-1 Visa Sticker/Stamp: Required for entry (except for citizens of Canada and Bermuda).
  • Most Recent MIT Certificate of Eligibility: Most recently issued Form I-20 that has been signed for travel (page 2) within the past 12 months.
    • Example: If a Form I-20 was signed for travel on September 15, 2025, it remains valid for multiple trips until September 14, 2026 – OR – until the end date listed on page 1, whichever date comes first.
  • Evidence of Enrollment: Can be obtained online from the Registrar’s Office.
  • Proof of Financial Support: As listed on the student’s MIT Form I-20 document(s).
  • NOTE: Students applying for a new U.S. visa sticker/stamp abroad should bring a letter from their MIT advisor or supervisor explaining their academic and/or research activities. A template for advisors/supervisors is available [here].

IMPORTANT REMINDER: 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 and consulates can be found on the U.S. Department of State (DOS) website [here].

COMPLIANCE WARNING: F-1 students are NOT allowed to have prolonged absences outside the U.S. for more than five (5) consecutive months.

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Alumni Students (Entry After Program Completion)

All alumni F-1 students who have finished their MIT program and are in a period of Optional Practical Training (Post-OPT/STEM OPT) MUST bring the correct immigration documents when entering the U.S.

  • BEFORE booking or traveling outside the U.S., students MUST review the entry requirements and ensure that they have reported all their OPT information (Post-OPT or STEM OPT) and have the REQUIRED documentation to enter the U.S. in F-1 status.

CRITICAL WARNING: Students are responsible for maintaining their U.S. immigration status. BEFORE submitting any Form I-20 request in iMIT, they MUST confirm that all Post-Completion OPT and STEM OPT Extension reporting requirements are up-to-date and accurate with the ISO.

NOTE: Students are strongly encouraged to review the travel requirements outlined on this webpage, as well as the detailed guidance available on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website [here].

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F-2 Dependents Entering The U.S.

Any time F-2 dependent(s) are entering the U.S, they MUST have the following documents for entry into the U.S.:

  • Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months into the future at all times.
  • Valid F-2 Visa Sticker/Stamp: Required for entry (except for citizens of Canada and Bermuda).
  • Most Recent MIT Certificate of Eligibility: Most recently issued F-2 Form I-20 that has been signed for travel (page 2) within the past 12 months (if F-1 is a current student) or 6 months (if F-1 is on Post-OPT/STEM OPT).
  • Copies of F-1 Students’ Immigration Documents: The F-2 dependents will need to bring copies of all the F-1’s immigration documents, as listed above, for current F-1 students and Alumni F-1 students.

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II. TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION & PROCESSING

WARNING: MIT-sponsored F-1 students MUST request a new “Certificate of Eligibility” (F-1 Form I-20) document with an updated travel signature online through iMIT. The ISO DOES NOT accept in-person requests.

Requesting Updated Immigration Documents & Travel Signatures

BEFORE making travel plans or submitting a request to the ISO, students MUST check if their most recently issued “Certificate of Eligibility” document already has a valid travel signature.

IMPORTANT: A valid travel signature on a Form I-20 is NOT required to exit/depart the U.S. It is ONLY needed for entry into the U.S.

F-1 Student TypesValid Travel Signature Must Be Dated Within
Current StudentsF-1 Student: Most recently issued Form I-20 has been signed for travel (page 2) within the past 12 months.
Alumni Students
(With Post-OPT / STEM OPT)		F-1 Student: Most recently issued Form I-20 has been signed for travel (page 2) within the past 6 months.

REMINDER: MIT-sponsored Individuals in J status are responsible for maintaining their U.S. immigration status. BEFORE submitting any Form DS-2019 request in iMIT, they MUST confirm that all reporting requirements for current and alumni Post-OPT and STEM OPT students are up-to-date and accurate with the ISO.

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How to Request a New Form I-20 in iMIT
  • 1) Log in to iMIT (full-client services for current students / limited-client services for alumni)
  • 2) Select ”(F-1 or J-1) Student Services” from the left-side menu.
  • 3) Complete the ”Request Replacement of (Form I-20 or Form DS-2019)” e-Form.
    • Select a reason for the new “Certificate of Eligibility” document request (e.g., “Travel Signature”).
    • Upload the REQUIRED financial support documentation.
      • Current Students: As part of the e-Form request, students MUST upload updated financial support documentation that has been issued within the past 6 months and shows up to 12 months of financial support – OR – funding until the program end date, whichever is earlier.
      • Alumni Students: As part of the e-Form request, students MUST upload updated financial support documentation that has been issued within the past 6 months and shows up to 12 months of financial support – OR – funding until the end date of their work/employment authorization period (OPT/AT), whichever is earlier.
  • 5) Review all information and documents to make sure they are correct and up to date.
  • 5) Click “Submit”.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: When the new document is processed, students are REQUIRED to download, print, and “wet” sign their new electronic “Certificate of Eligibility” document by hand to make it a valid hard copy, accepted by the U.S. government.

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ISO Processing Times
  • Immigration Document Processing Timeline: The ISO strives to process immigration requests as efficiently as possible and typically completes correct and complete requests within 10 business days (excluding weekends and holidays) from the date of submission through iMIT.
  • Delivery of Immigration Documents: After the ISO processes a request, the student will receive an email at the primary email address on file. The email will include instructions on how to access and download the immigration document.
    • NOTE: Current U.S. government guidance for F-1 students allows the ISO to send immigration documents electronically.
  • Immigration Document Signature Requirements: Students are NOT permitted to sign immigration documents digitally or electronically. Upon receiving the document(s), students MUST download, print, and hand-sign (“wet sign”) and date the document(s) to make it a valid hard copy, accepted by the U.S. government.
    • NOTE: Signed documents may then be used for international travel and visa sticker/stamp applications (as applicable).

ATTENTION: Students should always carry previously issued immigration documents when traveling, as these may be needed to verify their prior U.S. immigration history.

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III. KEY ISO, MIT, & U.S. GOVERNMENT RESOURCES

MIT Resources
  • Special Topics in Immigration and International Travel (OGC) webpage.
  • MIT Global Support Resources – Travel and Safety Abroad website.
  • Technology Tips For Travelers (IS&T) webpage.
    • International Travel Considerations section.
ISO Resources
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.
Additional 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.

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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