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 at All Times
* Travel Reminders When Re-Entering the U.S.
* Update Address and Contact Information in iMIT within 10 days of any change
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*NEW ADVICE: When Inside the U.S., Please Carry All Your Immigration Documents at All Times
We know that recent highly publicized incidents across the country have created great concern and uncertainty in our community.
Many have asked how they can best prepare in case they are asked to verify their status. We advise that international students carry their original immigration documents at all times, even if simply out shopping or commuting between their apartments and campus each day.
For international students and permanent residents who may need to travel within the U.S. but outside Massachusetts, or who need to visit the airport, we also advise that you carry all of your original immigration documents, as you would if you were traveling internationally.
Although we advise you carry all of your original documents, if you choose not to, we strongly recommend that you at least make sure to carry a printed-out/paper version of your current I-94 Arrival Record at all times, as that document confirms your official immigration status in the U.S. and the date of your last entry in that status. (If you have changed immigration status since your last entry to the U.S., you should also carry copies of your new status Approval Notice in addition to your current I-94 Arrival Record).
We also recommend having an electronic copy of all of your documents on your electronic device.
We hope this information is helpful. We know this is a stressful time, and we are here to support you. Please contact any of us at the ISO (iso-help@mit.edu), or our colleagues in Student Support Services and GradSupport, if you have questions or would like support. A full list of support resources is also available on the DoingWell website.
For current guidance on International Travel, please see the following post: https://iso.mit.edu/news/update-to-international-travel-guidance/
*Travel Reminders When Re-Entering the U.S.
In our recent Updates to International Travel Guidance (issued March 19, 2025), we recommended that students postpone any international travel until further information from the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Homeland Security is available.
However, if you are already traveling outside the U.S. or plan to do so, here are a few reminders about re-entering the U.S.:
(1) Please review our webpage on Entering the U.S. for All International Students to know what documents to carry. This page includes information on the following additional items:
*U.S. Port of Entry Inspection & Questions
*Traveling with Electronic Devices/Data
Be sure to carry ALL of your original immigration documents with you as electronic copies will not be accepted at your port of entry.
(2) Be sure to review the following resources provided by the MIT Office of General Counsel (requires login with Kerberos credentials through MIT Touchstone): https://ogc.mit.edu/latest/special-topics-immigration-and-international-travel
(3) After you return to the U.S., please review your new I-94 Arrival Record to be sure you are granted the correct student immigration status and be sure to update iMIT (under the “Immigration Documents” menu) with a copy of your new I-94. If you obtain any new immigration documents while abroad, such as a new Entry Visa from the U.S. Embassy/Consulate or new passport, please be sure to also update iMIT with those new documents as well.
*Update Address and Contact Information in iMIT within 10 days of any change
Just a reminder that immigration regulations require visa holders to update new U.S. address information within 10 days of any move. Current students can update their address in WebSIS (which will update iMIT). Students on post-completion F-1 Optional Practical Training or J-1 Academic Training can update their address information in iMIT directly. Upon receiving this information, iMIT will update the address information in SEVIS on your behalf.
U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) or individuals in other statuses would need to file the USCIS Form AR-11 Alien’s Change of Address.
We hope this information is helpful. If any questions arise, please contact the ISO office (iso-help@mit.edu) or your ISO Advisor directly.
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International Students Office
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
77 Massachusetts Avenue, Building E18-Room 219 (E18-219)
(Physical Location: 50 Ames Street, 2nd Floor, Room E18-219)
Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone: (617) 253-3795
Fax: (617) 258-5483
Email: iso-help@mit.edu
https://iso.mit.edu
ISO In-Person/Walk-In Office Hours
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays: 10:00am-3:00pm Eastern U.S. Time
Wednesdays: 1:00pm-3:00pm Eastern U.S. Time
