Potential impact on international students and scholars of a U.S. government shutdown
As of midnight on September 30, 2025, the U.S. Congress did not pass a continuing resolution to extend funding for the federal government. Therefore, as of 12:01am on Wednesday, October…New DOS Guidance on Adjudicating Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants in Third Countries
On September 6, 2025 the U.S. Department of State issued an announcement that directs nonimmigrant visa applicants to schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in…Presidential Proclamation Restricting Entry by H-1B Workers Effective September 21, 2025
Update to Presidential Proclamation Restricting Entry by H-1B WorkersThe following update was sent by ISchO on the evening of Saturday, September 20, 2025, to all MIT international scholars in H-1B status or…CBP to Increase I-94, ESTA, and EVUS Fees, Effective September 30, 2025
On August 28, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced that certain immigration fees for entry to the U.S. will be increased, effective September 30, 2025. The changes in fees…New DOS Guidance on Adjudicating Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants in Third Countries
The U.S. Department of State issued an announcement that, effective immediately, nonimmigrant visa applicants should schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of…DHS Proposed Rule on F and J Visa Duration
On August 28, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed a rule that would eliminate “Duration of Status (D/S)” for individuals holding F, J, and I nonimmigrant status.…USCIS Applications Subject to Review of “Anti-Americanism”/”Anti-Semitism” and Other Factors
On August 19, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it has expanded the types of benefit requests that receive social media vetting, adding reviews for “anti-American” and…U.S. Department of State Reduces Duration of New Visas for 50+ Countries
In early July 2025, the U.S. Department of State began making changes to visas for international students and scholars from the 54 countries listed below. The changes apply to the…US Department of State Updates Visa Interview Waiver Eligibility for Most Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants
Effective September 2, 2025, the US Department of State will significantly reduce the types of visa applicants eligible for a waiver of interview at US Consulates. Most nonimmigrant visa applicants…ISO Virtual Forum: Visa Processing – July 9, 2025 at 7:00pm Eastern US Time
ISO Virtual Forum: Visa Processing Wednesday, July 9 at 7:00pm Eastern U.S. Time (Cambridge, Massachusetts time) Open to all MIT international students, incoming and continuing. Zoom Link: https://mit.zoom.us/j/95521082582*Kerberos login and…ISO, most MIT Offices, CLOSED on Friday, July 4, 2025 for the Independence Day holiday
The ISO, and most MIT offices, will be closed on Friday, July 4, 2025, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. The ISO will close for walk-ins at 3:00pm on…Student and Scholar (F, J, M) Visa Interviews To Resume with New Vetting Procedures
Dear International Students and Scholars, The U.S. Department of State has announced that they will resume scheduling entry visa interviews for student and scholar visa statuses (F, J, M) at U.S. Embassies/Consulates…ISO, Most MIT Offices, CLOSED on Thursday, June 19, 2025
The ISO, and most MIT offices, will be closed on Thursday, June 19, 2025, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. The ISO will re-open on Friday, June 20 at 9:00am for…ISO Summer In-Person/Walk-In Office Hours: June 16 – August 1, 2025
ISO Staff will be working Monday-Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm, but will have a hybrid of in-person, walk-in hours and days when staff will be in the office or working fully remote…New Students: Report Scheduled Visa Interviews/Visa Approvals; U.S. Travel Restrictions
The following ISO Broadcast Alert email was sent to all New Admitted MIT International Students on Monday, June 9, 2025. Please see full text of email below. ISO Broadcast Alert…Presidential Proclamation Implements U.S. Travel Restrictions for Nationals from 19 Countries
Dear international students and scholars, On June 4, 2025, the White House released a Presidential Proclamation titled Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign…ISO, Most MIT Offices, CLOSED on Monday, May 26, 2025
The ISO, and most MIT offices, will be closed on Monday, May 26, 2025, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. The ISO will close for walk-ins beginning at 3:00pm on…REAL ID Requirement for Domestic Flights in the U.S. Effective May 7, 2025
Starting on May 7, 2025, an individual 18 years of age or older will need to show a state-issued identification document or driver’s license under REAL ID requirements, or another…The ISO, and Most MIT Offices, CLOSED on Monday, April 21, 2025, in Observance of Patriots’ Day
The ISO, and most MIT offices, will be closed on Monday, April 21, 2025, in observance of the Patriots’ Day holiday. The ISO will close for walk-ins beginning at 3:00pm on…