NEW ADVICE: Always Carry Immigration Documents, Review ISO Travel Reminders, & Report Changes/Updates
ATTENTION: This Guidance Remains In Effect Until Further Notice.
The ISO Will Issue Updates As New Information Becomes Available.
The following information was included in the ISO’s March 28, 2025, Newsletter.
*CONTENTS:
- [NEW ADVICE] When inside the U.S., ALWAYS carry your immigration documents with you.
- Review the ISO Travel Guidance & Reminders BEFORE booking travel and/or traveling outside the U.S.
- Maintain a valid U.S. immigration status by ALWAYS reporting any changes or updates within 10 calendar days.
*NEW ADVICE: When Inside the U.S., ALWAYS Carry Your Immigration Documents With You
We know that recent highly publicized incidents across the country have created great concern and uncertainty in our community. Many have asked how they can best prepare in case they are asked to verify their immigration status, and we advise that:
- All international students and individuals in temporary or permanent immigration statuses (e.g., F-1, J-1, H-1B, O-1, TN, or U.S. permanent residents) who travel within the U.S., including outside Massachusetts, or who visit an airport, are strongly encouraged to carry all original immigration documents, just as they would for international travel.
- Although carrying ALL original immigration documents is strongly recommended, if you choose not to, you should at least have a printed copy of your most recently issued I-94 Arrival Record at all times. An I-94 record confirms both your official immigration status in the U.S. and the date of your most recent entry in that status.
- We also recommend having electronic copies of ALL your documents on an easily accessible electronic device.
- NOTE: If you have changed to a new U.S. immigration status since your last entry to the U.S., you should also carry copies of your new status Approval Notice (I-797) in addition to your current I-94 record.
We hope this information is helpful. We know this is a stressful time, and we are here to support you. Please contact your ISO Advisor or the ISO directly. Additionally, our colleagues in Student Support Services and GradSupport are available to answer questions or provide support. A complete list of support resources is also available on the DoingWell website.
For current guidance on travel, please review the ISO news article on this topic [here].
*Travel Guidance & Reminders
In our recent Updates to International Travel Guidance (issued March 19, 2025), we recommended that students postpone any international travel until further notice.
However, if you are already traveling outside the U.S. or plan to do so, here are a few reminders about re-entering the U.S.:
- 1) Please review our webpage on Entering the U.S. for All International Students to know what documents to carry. This page includes information on the following additional items:
- Traveling with Electronic Devices/Data
- NOTE: Be sure to carry ALL of your original immigration documents with you, as electronic copies will not be accepted at your port of entry.
- Traveling with Electronic Devices/Data
- 2) Be sure to review the resources provided by the MIT Office of General Counsel [Kerberos credentials through MIT Touchstone required].
- After you return to the U.S., remember to confirm that you were entered into the U.S. in the correct immigration status by obtaining your new I-94 Arrival Record. Also, be sure to update iMIT (under the “Immigration Documents” tab) with a copy of the new I-94 record as well.
- NOTE: If you obtain any new immigration documents while abroad, this information MUST be updated with the ISO (via iMIT). For example, a new U.S. entry visa sticker/stamp from a U.S. Embassy/Consulate or a new passport.
*Maintain a Valid U.S. Immigration Status
Every international student is responsible for maintaining their U.S. immigration status by meeting all required rules and reporting any changes or updates within 10 calendar days. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Maintaining a valid and accurate Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 at all times.
- Extending a Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 before the document expires.
- Maintaining a valid and unexpired passport at all times.
- Registering as a full-time student for every required academic term.
- NEVER working more than 20 hours per week on campus during the academic year.
- NEVER working off campus (paid or unpaid) without authorization from the ISO or USCIS.
- Requesting a Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 travel signature before leaving the U.S.
- Reporting contact information and/or address updates.
- NOTE: Individuals not in F or J status must file the USCIS Form AR-11 Alien’s Change of Address.
- Reporting changes of Academic Level, Major, Program, and/or Funding to iMIT.
- Filing U.S. taxes by April 15th.
Disclaimer: The information on this webpage is only for the MIT community.
For additional questions, students should first review the ISO website 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.
