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 participate in a “Non-Degree” Program to complete an immigration orientation eCourse and submit necessary documentation/information before beginning their program at MIT. Therefore, all new/incoming ASP, Special, and Exchange “Non-Degree” international students need to complete specific steps to ensure 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 cannot complete their enrollment/registration for the term until they have completed the requirements below.
Students coming 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’
ATTENTION: The ISO ‘Non-Degree Immigration Orientation eCourses’ are exclusively designed for F and J MIT students participating in an MIT Advanced Study Program (ASP), MIT Exchange Program (EXCH), or MIT Special Program (e.g., Sloan Visiting Fellows (SVF).
*MIT students participating in the MIT Visiting Student Program (VSP) should refer to the ISO ‘Visiting Students FAQ’ webpage for additional information and guidance on fulfilling their immigration orientation and check-in requirements.
ALL all new/incoming ASP, Special, and Exchange “Non-Degree” international students are required to complete their specific immigration status (F-1 or J-1) ‘Non-Degree Immigration Orientation eCourse’ and attain a passing grade of 90% or higher on the corresponding (F-1 or J-1) ‘Non-Degree Immigration Orientation eCourse Quiz’.
- Eligible students will be “invited” to their specific immigration status (F-1 or J-1) ‘Non-Degree Immigration Orientation eCourse’ by email. The email invitation will be sent to the student’s @mit.edu email address from Canvas.
- If a student does not receive an email invitation to their specific immigration status (F-1 or J-1) ‘Non-Degree Immigration Orientation eCourse’ from Canvas and believes they are eligible, they should check their Junk/Spam folders first. If the email invitation is still not there, the student should email iso-help@mit.edu and include their [MIT ID Number, Academic Department and Program, and future MIT program start date].
- Students can complete the ‘Non-Degree Immigration Orientation eCourse’ requirement before or after arrival to the U.S.
NOTE: Students 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 ‘Non-Degree Immigration Orientation Session’?
During a mandatory ISO ‘Non-Degree 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 ‘Non-Degree 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 entering 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 abroad, 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 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 2025, then the student can only submit the Fall 2025 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 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 listed on the ISO ‘Online Check-In’ webpage.
** ATTENTION: Students who WILL NOT be entering the U.S. to pursue their MIT program are REQUIRED to contact their ISO AdvisorBEFORE 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.
