U.S. Tourist Visa Bond Program – Made Permanent Effective August 3, 2026
On August 3, 2026, the U.S. Department of State published a Final Rule, effective immediately, making permanent the tourist visa bond program (B-1/B-2 for business or tourism) and increasing the…MIT Summary on USDHS Final Rule Eliminating D/S for F and J Statuses
The following email was sent to all MIT international students and scholars on July 24, 2026. July 24, 2026 Dear International Students and Scholars, In follow-up to our note last…USDOS Announces Realignment of U.S. Visa Services in Africa
On July 15, 2026, the U.S. Department of State (USDOS) announced that it will be realigning visa operations in Africa to designated regional hubs. This results in visa services not…Final Rule ending of “duration of status” policy for F and J nonimmigrant statuses
Dear MIT International Student and Scholar Community, Today, Friday, July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a Final Rule indicating its intent to end the duration…ISO, and most MIT offices, CLOSED on Friday, July 3
The ISO, and most MIT offices, will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. The ISO will close for walk-ins beginning at 3:00pm on…ISO, and most MIT offices, CLOSED on Friday, June 19
The ISO, and most MIT offices, will be closed on Friday, June 19, 2026, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. The ISO will close for walk-ins beginning at 3:00pm on Thursday,…ISO Summer Walk-In Office Hours – June 12-August 7, 2026
For the period of Friday, June 12 through Friday, August 7, 2026, the ISO will have the following in-person/walk-in office hours: Mondays: 10:00am-3:00pmTuesdays: 10:00am-3:00pmWednesdays: FULLY REMOTEThursdays: 10:00am-3:00pmFridays: FULLY REMOTE The…USCIS Issues Policy Memo Requiring Most Applicants for Permanent Residence to Process Final Step Through U.S. Consulates Abroad
On May 22, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a new policy memo indicating that USCIS will now grant ‘Adjustment of Status’ to Permanent Resident (Green Card) within the U.S. only…REMINDER: Obtaining Travel Signatures on Form I-20/Form DS-2019
NOTE: You can leave the U.S. without a travel validation signature, but you will need one to re-enter; however, the ISO strongly advises that you secure any new documents prior…SEVP Issues Broadcast Message Regarding Prevention of STEM OPT Employer Fraud
On March 23, 2026, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, issued a Broadcast Message “STEM OPT Employer Fraud” regarding a new focus…State Department Adds Countries to the Tourist/Business Visa Bond List
On March 18, 2026, the U.S. Department of State published an update on their website adding to the list of countries whose nationals may be required to post a “visa bond” when…State Department Expands Tourist/Business Visa Bond List
On January 8, 2026, the U.S. Department of State published an update to the list of countries whose nationals may be required to post a “visa bond” when applying for…U.S. Department of State to “Pause” Immigrant Visa Processing for Nationals of 75 Countries at High Risk of Public Benefits Usage
Effective January 21, 2026, the U.S. Department of State will pause issuance of immigrant visas to nationals of 75 countries.* Please see the U.S. State Department website on this topic.…USCIS Places “Hold” on Processing of Benefit Applications From or On Behalf of Foreign Nationals from 39 “High Risk” Countries, for Increased Vetting
On January 1, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a policy memorandum relating to vetting of benefit applications* filed by, or on behalf of, foreign nationals born in…USCIS Announces Premium Processing Fee Increase Effective March 1, 2026
On January 9, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that Premium Processing Fees will increase, effective March 1, 2026. Per the announcement, the following are examples of the…USCIS Publishes Final Rule on Weighted Selection of H-1B Cap-Subject Registrants and Petitioners — May Impact MIT Graduates and Others Leaving MIT
USCIS published a final rule in the Federal Register: 90 FR 60864 (December 29, 2025), modifying how H-1B work visa petitions will be selected for processing, as submitted by cap-subject…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…ISO, most MIT offices, CLOSED December 23, 2025-January 4, 2026; ISO Hours/Contact Information over Winter Break
The ISO, and most MIT offices, will be CLOSED from Tuesday, December 23, 2025 through Friday, January 2, 2026.Travel Ban Expansion Effective January 1, 2026
On December 16, 2025, the White House released the Presidential Proclamation Restricting and Limiting The Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.This Proclamation extends and…