Entering the U.S.

Entering the U.S. — Important Information

CBP to Increase Fees for I-94, ESTA, and EVUS effective September 30, 2025
On August 28, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced that certain immigration fees for entry to the U.S. will be increased, effective September 30, 2025.
Please see the ISO summary, and link to the official announcement, here.

ISO INFORMATION & GUIDANCE

The International Students Office (ISO) provides immigration guidance specifically tailored for the MIT community. Individuals are strongly encouraged to review the ISO website for detailed answers to common questions, including the ISO search tool (located at the top of the ISO website) or 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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IMPORTANT IMMIGRATION & TRAVEL UPDATES

Special Topics Resource: The ISO now offers Special Topics in Immigration and International Travel, including MIT’s guidance on travel preparation and law enforcement interactions at U.S. borders [Kerberos/Touchstone Login Required].

Presidential Proclamation (Effective June 9, 2025): The White House released a Presidential Proclamation that restricts entry for nationals of 19 countries, including those seeking a student immigration status. Full details are available [here].

Visa Sticker/Stamp Processing Delays: U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad continue to experience unpredictable processing times, including extended 212(e) Administrative Processing. Students MUST check country- and location-specific Embassy/Consulate websites and prepare for possible entry/travel delays.

Travel Documentation Reminders: MIT students in F-1 or J-1 status, and their dependents, who travel outside the U.S. MUST ensure they have valid documentation BEFORE traveling.

ATTENTION: Students can ONLY request new MIT-issued “Certificate of Eligibility” documents (Forms I-20 or Forms DS-2019) and travel signatures online via iMIT, NOT in person at the ISO. Additional information can be found on the ISO website [here].

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 & Consulates can be found on the U.S. Department of State (DOS) website [here].

IMPORTANT: 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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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:

  • Entering the U.S. for All International Students webpage.
  • First-Time/New MIT Student Entering the U.S. webpage.
  • Entering the U.S. (Continuing F-1 Students) webpage.
  • Entering the U.S. (Continuing J-1 Students) webpage.
  • How to Request “Certificate of Eligibility” Documents (Forms I-20 or Forms DS-2019).
  • Obtaining the Form I-94 Record 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.

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.

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.

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

For additional questions, individuals should first read the ISO Getting Started web pages thoroughly, use the ISO search tool, or consult the ISO Knowledge Base. If further help is needed, individuals should contact the appropriate ISO Point-of-Contact/Advisor.

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MIT Division of Graduate and Undergraduate Education