MIT Non-Degree International Student Orientation
To adhere to U.S. immigration regulations, it is mandatory for ALL new/incoming “Non-Degree” international students, intending to join MIT and partake in a “Non-Degree” program, must complete an immigration orientation course/session and submit necessary documentation/information before beginning their program at MIT. Therefore, it is important for all new/incoming “Non-Degree” international students to complete specific steps, ensuring the activation of their U.S. immigration status within the U.S. and at MIT by the International Students Office (ISO).
ATTENTION: This is NOT an automatic process; students must be proactive. Students will not be able to complete their enrollment/registration for the term until they have completed the below requirements.
Students who will come to MIT to participate in a “Non-Degree” program will apply through the program headquarters/department and should contact the program directly for information on admissions and orientation procedures.
REQUIRED STEPS TO ACTIVATE A U.S. IMMIGRATION STATUS
STEP 1: Complete an ISO ‘Immigration Orientation Session’.
Students participating in the Visiting Student Program (VSP) or the Advanced Study Program (ASP), are required to sign up for the appropriate orientation session through their iMIT portal account.
Exchange Students and Undergraduate Students in the MIT “Special Student Program” will receive specific information about their required ISO ‘Immigration Orientation Session’ from their program coordinator and CANNOT register/attend an ISO ‘Immigration Orientation Session’ in iMIT.
NOTE: Student should be aware that attending an ‘ISO Virtual Forum’ is optional and does not fulfill the mandatory orientation session requirement for students.
What is Covered During a Mandatory ISO ‘Immigration Orientation Session’?
During a mandatory ISO ‘Immigration Orientation Session’, students will learn about maintaining their legal U.S. immigration status, gain insights into their U.S. immigration documents, travel requirements and restrictions within and outside the U.S., employment guidelines and restrictions in the U.S., and other crucial information related to adapting and residing in the U.S.
When completing an ISO ‘Immigration Orientation Session’, students should have the below materials on-hand during the Session:
- Their most recently issued passport.
- Their MIT issued Form I-20 or MIT issued Form DS-2019.
- Their most recently issued I-94 Record, but only if the student is inside the U.S.
- NOTE: Students can only retrieve their I-94 Record after they have entered the U.S. in F or J status. Students can obtain their I-94 Record online from the U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) ‘Get Most Recent I-94’ webpage. If a student is still currently abroad, then they do not have an I-94 Record yet. However, once they enter the U.S., they must obtain this document.
STEP 2: Complete the Required ‘Immigration Online Check-In’ Process
**ATTENTION: The ‘Immigration Online Check-In’ requirements can ONLY be completed once the student has entered into the U.S. in their U.S. immigration status.**
All new/incoming “Non-Degree” international students are required to submit the appropriate “Academic Term” ‘Immigration Online Check-In’ e-Forms in iMIT AFTER their arrival to the U.S.
- For example, if a student’s program at MIT will begin in Fall 2024, then the student can only submit the Fall 2024 Check-In e-Forms.
Students can find specific instructions on how to complete their ‘Immigration Online Check-In’ requirements on the ISO ‘Online Check-In’ webpage. The ISO will then review and approve a student’s ‘Immigration Online Check-In’ e-Forms, information, and immigration documentation. Therefore, students must follow the specific instructions and guidance as listed on the ISO ‘Online Check-In’ webpage.
** ATTENTION: Students who WILL NOT be entering U.S. to pursue their MIT program are REQUIRED to contact their ISO Advisor BEFORE the start date listed on their MIT “Certificate of Eligibility” document(s) (Form I-20, Form DS-2019) **
Additional Questions?
After thoroughly reviewing the ISO ‘Getting Started’ webpages, students with additional questions are encouraged to use the search tool located at the top of the ISO website or consult the comprehensive FAQ section on the ISO ‘Knowledge Base’ webpage. Additionally, MIT students have the option to contact their designated ISO Advisor directly for assistance.
