MIT Pre-Arrival Checklist

PRE-ARRIVAL CHECKLIST FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

IMPORTANT: Students must first receive a Form I-20 (for F-1 status) or Form DS-2019 (for J-1 status) before taking any of the steps listed below. These forms are issued by the ISO or by a non-MIT entity/organization (e.g., Fulbright).

The International Students Office (ISO) has created a detailed Pre-Arrival Checklist to help new/incoming international students navigate the mandatory steps required before arrival in the U.S. NOTE: Specific MIT programs may have additional requirements.

REQUIRED PRE-ARRIVAL CHECKLIST

After a student has received their “Certificate of Eligibility” immigration document (F-1 Form I-20 or J-1 Form DS-2019), they must follow the steps listed below.

1) SEVIS I-901 Fee Payment: The SEVIS I-901 Fee is required for the F-1 or J-1 students. The fee is not required for any accompanying F-2 or J-2 dependents.

  • Locating the SEVIS ID Number: The SEVIS ID Number (“Nxxxxxxxxxx”) may be found in the following locations:
    • Within the student’s iMIT portal, under “SEVIS Status Information”.
    • In the top left corner of a Form I-20 (F-1 students).
    • In the top right corner of a Form DS-2019 (J-1 students).
  • Fee Exemption for Transfer-Pending Students: Students who have been issued an MIT “Transfer-Pending” Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 are exempt from paying the SEVIS I-901 fee again, as the original payment remains valid.

ATTENTION: Students are required to retain a copy of their SEVIS I-901 fee payment confirmation receipt. This document is required as part of the visa application process and may be requested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon entry to the United States.

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2) U.S. Entry Visa Sticker/Stamp Application: To apply for an F-1 or J-1 entry visa sticker/stamp, students must first thoroughly review the information on the ISO’s U.S. Entry Visa Sticker/Stamp Requirements webpage.

  • After which, they can submit the Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) online through the U.S. Department of State (DOS) website.
  • This is a required step to obtain the visa sticker/stamp needed to enter the U.S.

IMPORTANT: Citizens of Canada and Bermuda are exempt from the Form DS-160 entry visa sticker/stamp requirement. However, they MUST still follow all other pre-arrival procedures and enter the U.S. with a valid Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 (“Certificate of Eligibility” immigration document).

  • When applying for a U.S. entry visa sticker/stamp online, students MUST submit the required documentation and select the appropriate nonimmigrant visa information:
    • ‘F-1 Student (University/College)’, or
    • ‘J-1 Exchange Visitor (J-1 Professional Exchange, e.g., student, physician, scholar)’.

NOTE: Students will need their SEVIS ID Number, from MIT or a non-MIT sponsor, to complete the Form DS-160 online.

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3) Schedule Visa Interview Appointment: After submitting the Form DS-160, students will use their SEVIS ID Number to schedule a visa interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate abroad.

  • We are aware of ongoing delays with the U.S. Department of State (DOS) visa appointment availability and visa sticker/stamp issuance. Please see our guidance below and on the ISO website [here].
    • For students already in the U.S., the ISO strongly advises NOT to travel internationally, unless necessary for an absolute emergency.
      • Reminder: A valid entry visa sticker/stamp is required ONLY for entry into the U.S., NOT to remain inside the U.S. Think of it like a house key, needed to enter, but not to stay inside.

ATTENTION: Students should closely monitor visa appointment availability on the U.S. Embassy/Consulate website nearest to their location and intended application site.

**Students should book the EARLIEST available visa appointment time, EVEN if it is scheduled for after their intended arrival in the U.S.**

IMPORTANT: An “Expedited Interview” is different from an “Emergency Interview”. Specific eligibility criteria are required to apply for an “Expedited Interview,” and students can review the requirements on the ISO website [here].

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4) Attend Interview Appointment: During this time of heightened immigration scrutiny, students should prepare for their visa interview appointment thoroughly. Helpful information can be found on the ISO website here.

  • Once a visa sticker/stamp has been approved, the student will retrieve their passport (if applicable), which will contain the F-1 or J-1 visa sticker/stamp, from the U.S. Embassy/Consulate.

IMPORTANT: To avoid complications, the ISO strongly recommends that students NOT plan or book any travel to the U.S. until this step (#4) is completed (i.e., the student has physically received their passport with the approved visa sticker/stamp).

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ATTENTION MIT VISITING STUDENTS
Students participating in the MIT Visiting Student Program (VSP) must follow the guidance on the ISO’s Visiting Students FAQ webpage to complete their immigration orientation and check-in requirements.

ATTENTION ALL OTHER STUDENTS
MIT Undergraduate, Graduate, Special Non-Degree, and Exchange Non-Degree students are required to complete the appropriate Immigration Orientation eCourse. Details provided below.

5) Complete the ISO Immigration Orientation eCourse: The required orientation eCourse provides crucial information on a student’s U.S. immigration status, travel, work/employment eligibility, and maintaining a lawful U.S. immigration status.

  • For Degree-Seeking Students: All new/incoming MIT Undergraduate and Graduate degree-seeking international students must complete their immigration status-specific (F-1 or J-1) Immigration Orientation eCourse and achieve a minimum score of 90% on the associated quiz.
  • For Non-Degree Special & Exchange Students: All new/incoming non-degree students participating in the MIT Advanced Study Program (ASP), an MIT Special Program (e.g., Sloan Visiting Fellows (SVF), or an MIT Exchange Program (EXCH)) must complete their immigration status-specific (F-1 or J-1) Non-Degree Immigration Orientation eCourse and achieve a minimum score of 90% on the associated quiz.
  • NOTE: Eligible students will be “invited” to their specific Immigration Orientation eCourse by email (to their @MIT.edu email address), or the eCourse will show in the student’s MIT Canvas login homepage.
    • If a student does not receive an email invitation or the Immigration Orientation eCourse is not listed on their Canvas homepage (and they believe that they are eligible), they should first check their @MIT.edu email Junk/SPAM folders.
      • If the Canvas email invitation is not there, the student should email iso-help@mit.edu and include their MIT ID number, degree level, and program. Example: [MIT ID 987654321, MS, Meche, ’27].

NOTE: Students can complete the required Immigration Orientation eCourse requirement before or after arrival in the U.S.

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6) Prepare for U.S. Travel/Arrival: Students are permitted to enter the U.S. no earlier than 30 days before the program start date listed on their MIT-issued “Certificate of Eligibility” immigration document (i.e., F-1 Form I-20 or J-1 Form DS-2019).

NOTE: The “30-Day Entry Rule” applies to both F-1 and J-1 students. This is a U.S. immigration regulation and must be followed. Arriving earlier than permitted may result in being denied entry into the U.S.       

When preparing to travel to the U.S., students MUST follow all U.S. immigration regulations. The information below outlines key entry rules and travel planning tips.

  • Earliest U.S. Entry Date: As mentioned above, students in F-1 or J-1 status can enter the U.S. no earlier than 30 days before the program start date listed on their MIT-issued “Certificate of Eligibility” immigration document:
    • Example: If a student has an MIT-issued “Certificate of Eligibility” immigration document with a start date of September 3, 2025, the earliest they are eligible to enter the U.S. is August 4, 2025.
  • Recommended Arrival Window: Students should plan to arrive in the U.S. and at MIT on or before the program start date listed on their Form I-20 or DS-2019.
  • Avoid International Travel After Entry: After arriving in the U.S., students should avoid traveling internationally again BEFORE the start date listed on their Form I-20 or Form DS-2019. This can lead to complications at the U.S. border.
    • [NOT RECOMMENDED] Students planning to enter the U.S. early for vacation or personal travel are advised to initially enter the U.S. in tourist status (e.g., B-1/B-2 or ESTA).
      • They can then use their F-1 or J-1 status to re-enter the U.S. before their program start date to avoid potential entry issues.
  • Additional Guidance: For more information about travel timing, entry procedures, and required documents, visit the ISO First-Time/New MIT Student Entering the U.S. webpage.

ATTENTION: Students unable to arrive by the start date listed on their Form I-20 or DS-2019 MUST obtain prior approval from their MIT academic department and their ISO Advisor.

NOTE: Late arrivals without prior approval can negatively impact a student’s U.S. immigration.

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7) U.S. Arrival & Customs: Upon arrival, students must be admitted into the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status and must complete entry inspection at a U.S. Port of Entry (CBP). NOTE: After a student’s initial entry, they should avoid traveling internationally until after their program start date, unless absolutely necessary (see #6 above).

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8) Complete the Post-Arrival Checklist Requirements: After arriving in the U.S., students must carefully review and complete all items on the ISO Post-Arrival Checklist.

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9) Notify MIT Department of Arrival: Students should check in with their MIT academic department/program after they arrive in the U.S. to confirm additional department/program requirements.

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10) Review the ISO Life at MIT Website: Students should review the ISO Life at MIT website and the ISO Welcome Booklet, created by the ISO Grad Fellows.

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ADDITIONAL MIT & ISO RESOURCES

MIT Student Resources

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The Atlas Service Center (ASC) Resources

The Atlas Service Center, located on the first floor of E17, 40 Ames Street entrance, complements many resources, such as:

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MIT Events & Programming Resources

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MIT Campus Safety Resources

  • Emergency Alert Systems: Individuals who have signed up will receive email and text alerts in the event of any campus emergencies.
  • MIT Campus Safety: Students can find additional information on campus safety programs on the MIT Police webpage.
  • MIT Police Information: In the event of an emergency on the MIT campus, please dial 617-253-1212.
    • It is important to avoid calling 911, as such calls will be rerouted to the MIT Police, which may result in a longer response time to address the emergency. Students should save this number in their phone.
  • Review the MIT ‘Mind and Hand’ Book: Discusses students’ rights and responsibilities at MIT, along with other important MIT topics and policies.
  • Review MIT’s Violence. Prevention & Response (VPR) webpage: For partner violence or stalking, utilize the confidential 24/7 MIT Help Line at 617-253-2300.

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MIT Academic Integrity Resources

  • MIT’s Academic Integrity policy applies to all students.
  • Office for Graduate Education (OGE) publication on “Academic Integrity”.
    • MIT’s academic culture may be different from a student’s previous experiences. Therefore, students should utilize MIT’s Academic Integrity Handbook and other available MIT resources.
  • Be careful about “Plagiarism”.
    • If a student is confused about an assignment, class information, or a topic, they should be proactive and speak with the professor and/or teaching assistant for help.
      • e.g., Ask whether a student must work on an assignment individually or if it can be done together as a group.
    • The class syllabus will have details of subject requirements and/or assignments.
    • Remember, when in doubt, ask for help!

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ISO Resources

  • Explore the ISO website for a wealth of resources, including:
  • Check out the Life at MIT webpage on the ISO website for insights into U.S. culture, tips on navigating Boston, connecting with student cultural groups, understanding cultural adjustment, Americanisms, idioms, and discovering affordable and enjoyable activities in the city.
  • NOTE: Students are assigned an ISO Advisor based on their academic program.

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ISO Events & Programming Resources

  • For the latest event updates, refer to the ISO Programs & Events webpage and our weekly newsletter. As we host events such as:
    • The “Navigating MIT Series“, organized by ISO, provides programs all year to assist international students in their adjustment to life at MIT and the U.S.
    • Our “Afternoon Breaks” events are social gatherings with conversation and snacks.
    • Our “Grad Socials & Outings” features peer-led events by the ISO Grad Fellows.
    • Our “Virtual Cooking Sessions“, which is hosted by ISO staff member Antoinette.
  • Have additional questions about the ISO events and programming? Feel free to contact Dana Riechman at the ISO.

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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.

Disclaimer: The information on this webpage is for MIT students only. For additional questions, students should email their ISO Advisor directly.

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