CDC Rescinds Order Requiring Negative COVID-19 Test Prior to Flight to U.S.; Full COVID-19 Vaccination Still Required
On June 10, 2022, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that the order issued on December 2, 2021 requiring a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation…SSN Application Procedures Updated by SSA
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced the release of the Online Social Security Number Application, the first step in applying for a Social Security Number (SSN). Individuals (including students…MIT Issues Updated Remote Appointment Guidance for 2022-2023 Academic Year
The MIT Office of the Vice Chancellor (OVC) released updated guidance on Remote Appointments effective for the 2022-2023 Academic Year. MIT will continue to expect all enrolled students to be…DHS Extends COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for Non-U.S. Travelers Entering U.S. via Land/Ferry Ports of Entry
On April 21, 2022, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced it has extended the requirements that all non-U.S. Citizen/Permanent Resident travelers entering the U.S. by a Land or Ferry…New ISO F-1 CPT information Session eCourse
The ISO, with the helpful recommendations from students in recent years, has developed an F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Employment Information Session via a Canvas eCourse. This new delivery mode…Income Tax Return (for 2021 tax year) – Filing Deadline April 18, 2022
Just a reminder that the annual income tax return filing deadline, for those who were physically present in the U.S. during the calendar year 2021, is April 18, 2022. Current…USCIS Final Rule Expands Premium Processing
On March 30, 2022, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a final rule titled Implementation of the Emergency Stopgap USCIS Stabilization Act. Of note in the new rule is expanding…State Department Provides Important Update/FAQ on Expansion of J-1 Academic Training in STEM Fields
The U.S. Department of State has posted a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to the bottom of their announcement of January 21, 2022 that it will expand J-1 Academic Training employment…ISO / MIT Offices CLOSED on Monday, February 21, 2022
The ISO, and most MIT Offices, will be closed on Monday, February 21, 2022 in observance of the Presidents’ Day holiday. The ISO will re-open for walk-ins beginning at 10:00am…USDHS Adds 22 Fields to STEM Designated Degree Program List
On January 21, 2022, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that it has added 22 fields of study, and corresponding Department of Education Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes…State Department Expands J-1 Academic Training for Undergraduate or Pre-Doctoral Degree Programs in STEM
February 18, 2022: USDOS Posts Update/FAQ on Expansion of J-1 Academic Training In STEM Fields — Clarifies Limits on AT to Length of Academic Program (Please read this linked announcement)…DOS Announces F/M/J Visa Processing Posts for Applicants in Russia
On January 21, 2022, the U.S. Department of State announced that due to limited consular operations in Moscow, Russia that multiple posts have been designated for processing certain nonimmigrant visa…Proof of Full COVID-19 Vaccination Required to Enter U.S. from Canada and Mexico
On January 20, 2022, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (USDHS) announced that all non-U.S. citizens entering the U.S. via land and ferry terminal ports of entry from Canada or Mexico…ISO Update – December 29, 2021
CONTENTS Travel Restrictions to the U.S. from 8 Countries of Southern Africa REVOKED, effective December 31, 2021 USDOS Extends Discretion for Consulates to Waive In-Person Visa Interviews For Certain Nonimmigrants…ISO Travel Guidance – Fall/Winter Break 2021-2022
UPDATE 12/29/2021: Effective December 31, 2021, the travel restrictions to the U.S. from the 8 countries of Southern Africa will be revoked. For details, please click here. ALL travelers must…USCBP Lifts U.S.-Canada-Mexico “Non-Essential” Travel Restrictions at Land/Ferry Border Crossings, Requires Proof of Full COVID-19 Vaccination
On December 23, 2021, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) announced that it has lifted the restrictions on “Non-Essential Travel” (e.g., for tourism purposes) for fully vaccinated individuals traveling through…USDOS Extends Discretion for Consulates to Waive In-Person Visa Interviews For Certain Nonimmigrants Through End of 2022
On December 23, 2021, the U.S. Department of State announced that it has extended authorization to consular officers to waive the in-person interview requirement for certain nonimmigrant visa applicants –…Travel Restrictions to the U.S. from 8 Countries of Southern Africa REVOKED, effective December 31, 2021
On December 28, 2021, U.S. President Joseph Biden issued a Proclamation that revokes the prohibition on entry to the U.S. by non-U.S. citizens who had been physically present in 8…ISO CLOSED for Winter Break; Operate VIRTUALLY During First Weeks of IAP
The ISO, and most MIT offices, will be closed for the Winter Holiday Break. The ISO will be closed, starting on Thursday, December 23, 2021 (3:00pm Eastern U.S. Time). The…