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. The ISO will be open for walk-ins until 3:00pm on Monday, December 22 and will re-open on Monday, January 5, 2026.
ISO Winter Break Walk-In Hours
Monday, December 22: 10:00am-3:00pm
Tuesday, December 23 through Friday, January 2, 2026: CLOSED (though ISO Staff will be monitoring the ISO office phone number and ISO-Help@mit.edu email)
Monday, January 5, 2026 onward: ISO returns to normal walk-in office hours schedule (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays: 10:00am-3:00pm; Wednesdays 1:00pm-3:00pm)
Monday, January 19, 2026: ISO and most MIT offices, CLOSED in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Holiday
ATTENTION: Response Times & Student Support
The MIT ISO is currently receiving a high volume of immigration document requests, emails and inquiries, while providing ongoing student support. We respond to emails and requests in the order received.
– Email Responses: Within three (3) business days (not including weekends and holidays). To help us assist you more efficiently, always include MIT ID number, Degree level, and Program (e.g., MIT ID 987654321, MS, MechE, ’27) Please wait at least three (3) business days for a response, before sending a follow-up email.
– Student Document Requests on iMIT: Within ten (10) business days (not including weekends and holidays).
Key Resources & Common Questions
New/Incoming Students: Visit the ISO Getting Started webpage for information on immigration documents, orientation details, and webinars.
Travel & Visa Information: Travel guidance is available on the ISO:
– Entering the U.S. webpage
– Visa Sticker/Stamp Requirements webpage
International Travel Advisory: International travel is STRONGLY DISCOURAGED at this time. For more information, visit:
– The ISO Travel Advisory webpage.
– The MIT Office of General Counsel webpage. Further travel guidance is available on the ISO Visas and Travel webpage.
Employment in the U.S.: Visit the ISO Employment webpage for information on on-campus and off-campus work options.
U.S. Taxes: ISO staff CANNOT provide guidance or address inquiries on the complexities of the U.S. tax system, including the Tax Code or Tax Treaty regulations. For guidance, visit: The ISO Taxes webpage and the MIT-VPF Tax Guidance for Nonresident Aliens webpage.
Mandatory Immigration Reporting Requirements
New/Incoming Students: Visit the ISO Pre-Arrival and Post-Arrival Checklist webpages to prepare for arrival to the U.S. and MIT.
Current Students: Review the ISO Maintaining Status webpage to comply with U.S. immigration rules and regulations.
Alumni (OPT, STEM OPT, Academic Training): Find guidance on the ISO Employment web pages.
Stay Updated: For critical immigration information and updates, visit the ISO:
– News and Announcements webpage.
– Major Immigration Updates and Alerts webpage.
Urgent Situations: Refer to the instructions on the ISO website [here].
Students can also contact us during ISO online business hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00-4:00 PM EST):
– Email: iso-help@mit.edu
– Phone: +1 617-253-3795
If you are requested to leave a voicemail message, please provide your name, phone number, and if an MIT student also provide your MIT ID number. Due to high volume of emails and iMIT requests ISO receives, note that most ISO staff respond to emails within 2-3 business days (not including weekends and holidays).
If you have a non-visa/immigration emergency, please contact the MIT Police Non-Emergency Number (617-253-2996) or Emergency Number (617-253-1212), or dial 100 from any MIT phone.
Emergency Situations: If you encounter an emergency visa/immigration situation (e.g. being denied entry/reentry to the U.S., or being detained by a government official requiring additional information, etc.), then please call the ISO emergency phone number (+1-617-258-5480). The ISO emergency phone number is NOT to be used to report a successful entry into the U.S., only if you encounter an emergency situation at the U.S. port-of-entry.
Need More Help? Use the ISO website’s search tool or visit the ISO Common Questions/Knowledge Base webpage for comprehensive FAQs.
Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to speaking with you soon.
