Is there guidance for international students engaging in campus protests?
Yes. Please refer to the ISO/OGC protest guidance.Do visa changes affect OPT/STEM OPT eligibility?
Please consult the ISO Employment webpage and your ISO Advisor for details.If I am an international student who needs to travel to perform field work for my research and to advance my degree, how should I weigh the risks?
As of March 19, 2025, MIT is currently encouraging community members on temporary visas and U.S. permanent residents (green card holders) to consider postponing or delaying international travel, whether personal,…What are the most common immigration-related scams that students should look out for?
Students should never give out their name, bank info, or any personal information (unless they are making the request). Common scams include: Government impersonators; misleading offers of support; job offers…Where can I find information about legal concerns in the U.S. / interactions with law enforcement on campus or beyond?
MIT has issued legal guidance on campus visits by immigration or law enforcement agents and on what to expect at border crossings. See Special Topics in Immigration and International Travel…How can students check if their SEVIS records have been terminated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security?
Unfortunately, there is no current way for students/scholars to check their SEVIS record status directly. ISO Staff will contact any impacted students immediately if they see any updates/changes in SEVIS…When can I work off-campus?
Please consult the ISO Employment webpage and your ISO Advisor for details.What documents do students need to have to safely travel over breaks and return to the U.S.?
To prepare for your entry to the U.S., please review the ISO “Visas and Travel” webpage, and in particular the section on “Entering the U.S.”Will there be more travel bans impacting specific countries? Where can I check?
If there are future visa or travel restrictions, the ISO will post information on the Major Immigration Alerts and Updates webpage and email the international student community.Please also see the…What can students do to help ensure their F-1 Optional Practical Training or F-1 STEM Optional Practical Training Extension application can be processed by USCIS on time?
To expedite processing with USCIS, a student can include a request to USCIS for Premium Processing (with additional fee). Premium Processing typically shortens processing from 3-5 months to 30-40 business…What can students do to help ensure their visa application will be processed on time?
Unfortunately, following the visa interview, there is nothing that the student, the ISO, or MIT can do to expedite processing by the U.S. EmbassyConsulate. Please see additional details about the…How do the new social media screening rules affect students’ F/M/J visa interviews?
The U.S. Department of State announced on June 18, 2025 new application screening procedures, including online presence. With this in mind, we recommend that your social media accounts be public…How do visa delays affect funding/fellowships/ Research Assistantships, etc.?
Students who have experienced/expect to experience visa delays, which will prevent their planned return to campus, should contact their ISO Advisor and their academic program administrator.What if a new international graduate student cannot arrive in time for the start of the term?
New international graduate students who are unable to arrive within 25 days after their term start date will need to defer their in-person program start date. Please contact your academic…When can a new undergraduate international student arrive for Fall 2025?
For the Fall 2025 term, a new international undergraduate student with an F or J visa may arrive to the U.S. no earlier than 30 days prior to the term…How to Access my iMIT Documents?
If you do not have an active Kerberos, follow these steps: 1. Go to this link. 2. Review “Step 1” for Limited Client Services. Note: If you have an active…The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) sent me a COVID stimulus payment in error, how do I return this payment?
January 17, 2025 — The following guidance has been provided by Sprintax, who has provided information sessions and webinars to MIT students. This is in regards to international students (non-resident…May an International Student Volunteer in a U.S. Election?
Non-U.S. Citizens are NOT eligible to vote in any U.S. election. We do receive questions from international students asking if they are able to volunteer with political campaigns and related…A Green Card application has been filed on my behalf, and the Form I-140 has been approved, can MIT continue to issue Form I-20/Form DS-2019 for me to maintain my F-1 or J-1 student status and authorized F-1/J-1 benefits?
First, we STRONGLY advise that you be sure to have a consultation with an immigration attorney before you take any steps towards applying for a Green Card, and continue to…