Can I enter the US early in tourist visa status to start my degree program?

Students should NOT enter the U.S. in tourist status to start their degree program. Students entering the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 student status (with a valid visa from the U.S. Consulate and Form I-20/Form DS-2019) can enter the U.S. up to 30 days prior to the start date of their academic program (as listed on the Form I-20 or Form DS-2019).

If a student enters the U.S. in tourist status, or any other status, they would need to leave the U.S. and make a new entry in order to begin their program of study at MIT. Students should plan accordingly. Under U.S. immigration regulations, individuals who enter the U.S. in tourist status will not be allowed to attend classes at MIT until they leave the U.S. and re-enter in the appropriate student visa status.

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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?

I am in the U.S. now and transferring to MIT, but I am planning to travel outside the U.S. before starting at MIT. How early will I be able to enter the U.S. from abroad to start my program at MIT.

How early can I apply for a new Student Entry Visa if my Current Student Entry Visa in the Same Visa Status is Still Valid?

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