Major Immigration Updates

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
On October 28, 2024, the U.S. Department of State published on its website guidance regarding visa processing at U.S. Embassy in Beirut. In summary, routine nonimmigrant visa processing (including F and…
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…
ISO / Most MIT Offices CLOSED on Monday, October 14, 2024
The ISO, and most MIT offices, will be closed on Monday, October 14, 2024 in observance of the Indigenous Peoples’ Day holiday.  The ISO will close for walk-ins beginning at…
F-1 Five Month Temporary Absence Rule Applies to All Travel Outside the U.S.
On August 27, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a Policy Alert that appears to reference the removal of the exception to the F-1 Five Month Temporary Absence…
State Department Announces Extension of Post-Degree STEM J-1 Academic Training Eligibility for Undergraduate and Pre-Doctoral Degree Programs to June 30, 2026.
In an email to J Exchange Visitor Visa Program Sponsors on September 16, 2024, the U.S. Department of State has extended the post-degree J-1 Academic Training STEM Extension until June 30, 2026 for students who have…
J-1 On-Campus Employment Authorization Reminder for New and Continuing J-1 Students
All students in J-1 status who wish to work on-campus, or will continue to work on-campus at MIT (including any research assistantship, teaching assistantship, or fellowship with service requirement) need…
Freedom of Expression at MIT
MIT maintains a firm commitment to ensuring that everyone in the community can express their views freely. Learn more about MIT’s policies about freedom of expression, harassment, and demonstration activities on campus.
ISO / Most MIT Offices CLOSED on Monday, September 2, 2024
The ISO, and most MIT offices, will be closed on Monday, September 2, 2024 in observance of the Labor Day holiday.  The ISO will close for walk-ins beginning at 3:00pm…
ISO Walk-In Office Hours Return to Fall Hours starting Monday, August 5
ISO Staff will be returning to Fall office hours starting on Monday, August 5. The ISO will continue to be working Monday-Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm, but will have a hybrid of…
New Student Arrival and Orientation Resources
New Students beginning in the Fall 2024 term are encouraged to access our extensive resources under the “Getting Started” section of our webpage (https://iso.mit.edu/getting-started/). These resources include guidance on preparing…
ISO / Most MIT Offices CLOSED on Thursday, July 4 and Friday, July 5, 2024
The ISO, and most MIT offices, will be closed on Thursday, July 4 and Friday, July 5, 2024 in observance of the Independence Day holiday.  The ISO Staff will also…
ISO Summer Office Hours, Holiday Schedule effective June 17-August 2, 2024
ISO Staff will be working this Summer 2024 Monday-Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm, but will have a hybrid of walk-in hours and days when Staff will be in the office or working…
ISO / Most MIT Offices CLOSED on Wednesday, June 19, 2024
The ISO, and most MIT offices, will be closed on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. The ISO will close for walk-ins beginning at 3:00pm on…
FBI Warns of Scams Targeting Chinese Students/Scholars at U.S. Universities
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) published a warning about a current scam targeting Chinese communities in the U.S., including Chinese students attending U.S. colleges and universities. The scam…