NEW ADVICE: When Inside the U.S., Please Carry All Immigration Documents; Travel Reminders; Address Updates
March 28, 2025 *The following information is included in the ISO Newsletter sent out today, Friday, March 28* CONTENTS* NEW ADVICE: When Inside the U.S., Please Carry All Your Immigration Documents…Update to International Travel Guidance
Dear international students and scholars, As you know, we continually monitor U.S. government policy for any changes that could affect members of our MIT community. Although this note is not…Potential impact on international students and scholars of a US government shutdown
UPDATE: 03/15/2025: Last night the U.S. Senate passed the budget continuing resolution, and today President Trump signed the resolution, preventing a government shutdown. The new continuing resolution extends the operations…Travel Reminders – Spring 2025
Please Read Through the End of the Full Letter Below Dear MIT International Students, We know that many students are considering travel plans for the Spring term, and specifically the…ISO / Most MIT Offices CLOSED on Monday, February 17, 2025 in observance of the Presidents’ Day Holiday
The ISO, and most MIT offices, will be closed on Monday, February 17, 2025 in observance of the Presidents’ Day holiday. The ISO will close for walk-ins beginning at 3:00pm…An ISO/ISchO update as you start the new semester
Dear international students and scholars, A warm welcome to the new semester at MIT. We are writing to let you know that we are closely following the developments in Washington…MIT Tax Workshops Scheduled for February/March 2025
The MIT Office of the Vice President for Finance (VPF), along with the International Students Office (ISO) and International Scholars Office (ISchO) have announced the MIT Tax Workshops 2025, for…Message from President Kornbluth
Please see the message sent to the MIT community today: Dear members of the MIT community, I prepared this brief video message for all of you in response to questions I’ve been…ISO / Most MIT Offices CLOSED on Monday, January 20, 2025 in observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
The ISO, and most MIT offices, will be closed on Monday, January 20, 2025 in observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. The ISO will close for walk-ins…H-1B Modernization Rule Issued; Changes in F-1 OPT/STEM OPT – H-1B Cap Gap Authorization Among Other Updates
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently finalized the remaining provisions of the H-1B Modernization Act first introduced in October 2023. Certain provisions related to the H-1B cap were implemented in March…Potential impact on international students and scholars of a US government shutdown
UPDATE: 03/04/2025: If a new federal budget or funding resolution is passed by 11:59pm on Friday, March 14, 2025, it will prevent a government shutdown in the short-term. Please check…ISO Winter Break/IAP Office Hours
The ISO will have the following walk-in or remote office hours for the Winter Break and Independent Activity Period (IAP). Please note that while walk-in hours are specific below, when…USCIS Updates Interpretation of F-1 Five-Month Temporary Absence Rule
On November 26, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated their policy manual to remove conflicting guidance on study away programs that was posted on August 27, 2024. Specifically,…J-1 Exchange Visitor Skills List updated – Certain Countries Removed Retroactively
On Monday, December 9, 2024, the US Department of State published Public Notice 12555 in the Federal Register, updating the Exchange Visitor Skills List. The new Skills List becomes effective…ISO / Most MIT Offices CLOSED on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29, 2024
The ISO, and most MIT offices, will be closed on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. The ISO will close for walk-ins beginning…Post-Election Reflection
To our Current International Students and Recent Alumni, I know many of us are still reflecting on the results of last week’s U.S. elections. As with every election, when there…U.S. Visa Guidance for Individuals Affected by Events in Lebanon
UPDATE: The U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon has announced it has resumed visa processing at the Embassy effective January 1, 2025. Anyone interested in applying for a new entry visa…ISO EMERGENCY CONTACT PHONE NUMBER for PORT-OF-ENTRY ISSUES
If you encounter issues while traveling, and specifically at your U.S. Port-of-Entry with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) where additional information is requested by CBP officials, please contact the…USDHS Announces Flight Restrictions on Flights Carrying Travelers from Rwanda
In an October 17, 2024 announcement, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (USDHS) has directed all flights to the United States carrying persons who have recently traveled…