India, COVID, and our Global Community
On May 7, 2021, MIT President Rafael Reif sent a letter to the community regarding the continued suffering due to the pandemic around the globe, and specifically the recent surge…Suspension of U.S. Consular Services in Russia
The U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Russia website indicates that routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services have been suspended. No date is given regarding the possible resumption of services. This follows a…USDOS Provides Updated Guidance on National Interest Exemptions for Certain Travelers from China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, and India
On April 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of State announced that certain individuals (including those in F and M student visa status and certain J exchange visitor categories) traveling to…Executive Order Imposing COVID-19 Travel Restrictions to U.S. adds India
On April 30, 2021, President Biden signed a Presidential Proclamation/Executive Order adding India to the list of countries subject to COVID-19 travel restrictions for entry to the U.S. within 14…Limits to U.S. Visa Services in India
On April 27, 2021 the U.S. Department of State announced that all in-person and interview-waiver visa appointments are cancelled at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, and the Consulates in Chennai, Hyderabad,…USICE/SEVP Issues Enrollment Guidance for Academic Year 2021-2022
On April 26, 2021, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) announced that their international student enrollment guidance will remain the same for…U.S.-Canada-Mexico “Non-Essential” Travel Restrictions Extended to 05/21/2021
UPDATED 04/22/2021: USCBP has posted to the Federal Register that the Non-Essential travel restriction at land ports of entry between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico has been extended for an…USCIS Announces I-765 Applications for F-1 OPT, STEM OPT Can Be Filed Online; Awaiting Clarifications on Photo Procedures
On April 12, 2021, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that F-1 students applying for F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) or F-1 STEM Optional Practical Training Extension (STEM OPT), using Form…U.S. State Department Issues Visa Services Update
On April 6, 2021, the U.S. Department of State issued and announcement and FAQ to provide an update on the status of visa services at U.S. Embassies/Consulates abroad that have…Update on Remote International Appointments for Summer and Fall 2021
The following information is included in a series of notes from the Vice Chancellor about important information about remote international appointments for the Summer and Fall 2021. We are sharing…U.S.-Canada-Mexico “Non-Essential” Travel Restrictions Extended to 04/21/2021
UPDATED 03/19/2021: USCBP has posted to the Federal Register that the Non-Essential travel restriction at land ports of entry between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico has been extended for an…Supporting our Asian community in a difficult time — Letter from President Reif
The ISO joins the entire MIT community in our shock and outrage at the rise in anti-Asian violence being experienced in the U.S. and abroad. On March 18, 2021, MIT…President Reif: Supporting our Asian community in a difficult time
On March 18, 2021, MIT President L. Rafael Reif released a letter to the MIT Community addressing the surge in anti-Asian violence and discrimination, and voicing solidarity with the MIT…Tax Filing Resources for MIT International Students
(emailed to all MIT international students on March 1, 2021) Dear MIT International Students, Our Federal tax filing resources are now available at no cost to all MIT international students…USCIS Extends Flexibilities to Certain Applicants Filing Form I-765 for OPT
On February 26, 2021, USCIS issued a news release “USCIS Extends Flexibilities to Certain Applicants Filing Form I-765 for OPT“, providing some support for international students who filed Form I-765…USDOS Announces New Phased Resumption of Routine Visa Services
On February 24, 2021, the U.S. Department of State (USDOS) announced additional updates to the phased resumption of routine visa services at U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad. The announcement indicates…President Biden issues Proclamation revoking immigrant visa ban
On February 24, 2021, President Biden released a Proclamation revoking the prior administration’s suspension of immigrant visas due to the 2019 corona virus outbreak (Proclamation 10014, section 1 of Proclamation 10052 and section 1…U.S.-Canada-Mexico “Non-Essential” Travel Restrictions Extended to 03/21/2021
UPDATED 02/20/2021: USCBP has posted to its Twitter account that the Non-Essential travel restriction between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico has been extended for an additional period (to March 21,…USCIS Update Regarding Applicants Filing Form I-765 for F-1 OPT/STEM OPT
On February 18, 2021, USCIS issued an update regarding applicants who have long-pending Form I-765 applications for F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) or F-1 STEM Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT).…