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| Presidential Proclamation Lifts Travel Bans and Establishes Vaccine/Testing Requirements for Air Travel to US |
| Effective November 8, 2021 |
| On October 25, 2021 President Biden issued a Proclamation, effective November 8, 2021, removing most travel restrictions on entry to the U.S. by nonimmigrant air travelers. The Proclamation eliminates four restrictions now in place (“travel bans”), replacing them with a requirement that all air travelers to the U.S., from all regions of the world, show proof of COVID vaccination and negative COVID test results before being able to board a flight to the U.S. The Proclamation only addresses air travel. Beginning sometime in November (date to be determined soon), fully vaccinated travelers from Canada and Mexico will be allowed to enter the U.S. visa land border and ferry crossings. See details here. Until an official effective date is announced, restrictions on land border entry to the U.S. from Canada and Mexico remain in place. Please view the full announcement, with links to the Proclamation and guidance from the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, posted on the ISO Major Immigration Updates webpage here. |
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| Reminder: Reporting Requirements for F-1 OPT, STEM OPT, J-1 Academic Training Necessary to Maintain Status in U.S. |
| Please report in iMIT |
The ISO is providing a reminder to all students on Post-completion F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT), F-1 STEM OPT Extension, and Post-Completion J-1 Academic Training (AT) that there are regulatory-required reporting that must be completed in a timely manner in iMIT in order to maintain their F-1 and J-1 status in the U.S.
The ISO makes it easy to comply with this requirements by completing reporting in iMIT so that the ISO can submit the information to SEVIS on students/alumni behalf.Reporting Requirements guidelines and instructions are available on the ISO website:
F-1 Optional Practical Training Reporting Requirements
F-1 STEM OPT Extension Reporting Requirements
J-1 Academic Training Reporting Requirements
Please feel free to contact your ISO Advisor if any questions arise. Thank you for your urgent assistance in this matter.
If you are not sure if you have updated documentation recently, please go ahead and re-submit in iMIT. Thank you for your attention to this matter. |
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| Upcoming Live F-1 Employment Information Sessions |
| First one is November 4, 2021 |
The ISO will be offering live, online F-1 Employment Information Sessions, reviewing the types of off-campus employment authorization, their eligibility requirements and application procedures, available to international students.
A separate session for J-1 visa holders will be announced soon.The schedule of F-1 Employment Information Sessions during Fall 2021 are:
Thursday, November 4: 7:00pm-9:00pm
Tuesday, November 16: 2:00pm-4:00pm
Friday, December 3: 10:00am-12:00pm
Friday, December 10: 10:00am-12:00pm
Students must sign-up for a session in iMIT.
Additional information about Employment for international students, including the off-campus employment authorization types, are available on the ISO website (https://iso.mit.edu/employment/). |
| SIGN UP |
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| Reminder: Plan for Travel Now |
Travel signatures are required, including for new students who started Fall 2021
If planning to travel outside the US during fall or winter breaks, check your immigration form NOW for a recent travel signature.
You are required to request a new Form I-20 or DS-2019 on iMIT. No travel signatures are given in the ISO office. |
If you are planning to travel during the Fall semester, or over the Winter Break/IAP period, it is not too early to make sure you will have the required documentation needed to return to the U.S. from abroad.
For all students, instructions on how to request a new Form I-20/Form DS-2019 with travel validation signature, and guidance on documents to carry when traveling, is available on the ISO “Visas and Travel” webpage.
In general, a travel signature is valid for one year, and students must have one if they are returning to the US after traveling abroad (can re-enter the US multiple times using your travel signature).
*Exception: If you are traveling to Canada, Mexico, or the adjacent Caribbean islands, we recommend obtaining a signature within the last 6 months.
Page 2 on the Form I-20 will be signed within the last year; page 1 of the Form DS-2019 will be signed.
The ISO has a number of resources available to guide students on preparing for travel.
Please be sure to consult the ISO “Visas and Travel” webpage for details on requesting a new Form I-20 or DS-2019 with travel signature, guidance on “Entering the U.S.” to verify documents to carry when traveling, and links on how to apply for a new entry visa, if needed, from the U.S. Embassy/Consulate.
For students who need to apply for a new entry visa to return to the U.S., please be sure to review the guidance provided by the U.S. Embassy/Consulate abroad where you will be applying. Procedures on securing a visa interview, which is recommended to schedule prior to departing the U.S., and required documentation, will be available on the U.S. Embassy/Consulate website.
Processing time for new Form I-20/Form DS-2019 is within 10 business days of a completed submission in iMIT. We will be sending I-20s electronically (by email) and mailing DS-2019s directly to your address. You do not need to stop by the ISO for travel signatures. |
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| Navigating MIT Series - Fall 2021 |
Next session: Budgeting
Tuesday, November 9 at 4pm |
Various topics to support international students with adjustment to MIT and the U.S. during the fall semester.
1. Discover Boston- Tues, Oct 12 at 4pm (ISO)
2. American Culture & Friendship- Tues, Oct 19 - 12noon (ISO)
3. Motivation, Focus, & Productivity - Fri, Oct 29 at 12noon (Zan Barry, Community Wellness)
4. Budgeting - Tues, Nov 9 - 4pm (Erica Aguiar, Student Financial Services)
5. Hack your sleep - Fri, Nov 19 at 12noon (Zan Barry, Community Wellness)
6. Stress Management - Fri, Dec 3 at 12noon (Dr. Xiaolu Hsi, Mental Health & Counseling)
Register for each workshop |
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| LCE: Conversation Groups |
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Join a small group for language practice and conversation exchange!
Our enthusiastic volunteers are leading small groups for Japanese, Chinese, Korean, French and Portuguese/Spanish!
Find dates and times in our LCE Community Slack Space and by subscribing to our newsletter. Interested in starting a group for another language? Reach out to the LCE team at lce@mit.edu.
If you are interested in another language, please fill out the form. We are also looking for new group leaders.
Link to interest Form here |
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| LCE: Find a Language Partner |
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Nothing beats one-on-one conversation for improving your language speaking and comprehension skills!
How to find a language partner with the LCE:
- Make an account on the website. Upload a photo and a descriptive bio!
- Send a custom message to potential partners. It helps to say why you reached out to them specifically and why you want to practice.
- Join the LCE Slack and come to events to talk to more language learners
More resources on our website:
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| MS&PC: Cultural Coffee Hours |
Fridays at 1 PM from October 15 - November 5
via Zoom |
Open to MIT community
Celebrating 50 years of supporting newcomers, creating connections, building community (1972-2022)
If you are struggling to adapt to the American way of life, let’s first take a step back and look at the bigger picture of cultural differences and intercultural communication styles. Having a deeper understanding of where we come from will help us navigate our new environment.
Attendance at all 4 sessions is strongly encouraged but not required. Facilitated by Jennifer Recklet Tassi, Senior Program Manager for MIT Spouses & Partners Connect.
Please register at https://bit.ly/3v15Rt1
Understanding Cultural Adaptation- October 15th
Understanding Cultural Differences- October 22nd
Understanding Intercultural Communication- October 29th
Understanding the American Personality- November 5th |
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| Save TFP: Spooky Skate |
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HAPPENING TONIGHT!
[Spooky Skate]
What: FREE Ice Skating*, Food**, Pumpkin & clementine decorating, Painting, Stickers & temp tattoos, Costume Contest***
When: Fri, October 29th, 8:00pm-12am
Where: Johnson Ice Rink
*Please sign up for a time slot by shoe size if you would like to borrow a pair of skates! We will also have very limited walk-in availability: Skate Window Signup
**Food includes pizza, wings, donuts, cookies, candy, and drinks. Vegan and gluten-free options available!
***For full costume contest rules visit: Costume Contest Rules ~squishable prizes!~
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| Weekly Board Games Night! |
Oct 8 – Dec 10 every Friday from 7:00 PM – 11:59 PM
Walker Memorial E50-316
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The Strategic Games Society presents our flagship weekly board games night (In-Person)!
With 150+ games, we have a game for everybody!
No Prior experience required.
May the victory points be with you!
Link for RSVP
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| Egyptian Students Association Dinner |
Saturday, October 30 from 4 PM – 7 PM
W20 - Mezzanine hall |
The Egyptian Student Association is hosting a dinner to bring its community together.
Egyptian/Middle eastern food will be served.
All students are welcome.
Contact: m_sheikh@mit.edu |
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| Writing and Communication Center- Free 1:1 Consultations |
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The Writing and Communication Center (WCC) has resumed its free one-on-one consultations on different types of written, spoken, and visual communication. You can receive support there at all stages of the writing and communication process, from brainstorming to the final version, on such projects as research papers, fellowship applications, cover letters, personal statements, dissertations, presentations, or posters. The WCC can also mentor you through writer’s blocks including procrastination, perfectionism, demoralization, and imposter stress. To learn more about the WCC, check their website and make an appointment through this link: https://mit.mywconline.com.
Don’t wait, schedule today! |
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| Wellness Events & Resources |
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| MedLinks |
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- Our full team of MedLinks volunteers are back in service this semester.
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MedLinks can help you figure out how to connect with MIT resources and support you by serving as a sounding board.
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They can also provide single doses of common over-the-counter medications and first-aid supplies to address minor medical concerns.
- Visit medlinks.mit.edu to learn more about the program and find your local MedLinks volunteer(s) (MIT certificate required).
Contact: wellness@med.mit.edu
URL: https://medlinks.mit.edu/
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| Know Your Resources! |
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- ask.mit - https://ask.mit.edu/ You shouldn’t have to think about where to turn for help. Just ask. Leave a question and a Student Support and Wellbeing team member will get back to you within 1 business day.
DoingWell was developed to empower students to prioritize their wellbeing. Prioritizing your wellbeing is a journey that looks different for everyone and what works for you one day might need to change another day. What’s most important is that it’s what YOU need. Sometimes, DoingWell means reaching out for support because you’re not feeling good or need help. Other times, DoingWell means going for your weekly run or writing in your journal. This website serves as a place for all MIT students – undergraduate and graduate – to access resources that help you prioritize your wellbeing and get support. |
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| Fall Unwind Classes |
| Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:00pm/ 5pm |
Fall Unwind
Noon Unwind – Tuesdays and Thursdays 12-12:15 pm starting September 7
5PM Unwind – Tuesdays and Thursday 5-5:20 pm starting September 7
These live, virtual classes combine simple stretches to release tension in the body and guided meditation to release tension in the mind. Register for free anytime this fall, attend as often as you wish, and feel free to invite others to register as a self-care routine.
You can find other upcoming courses from Community Wellness. Click here and go to the Mind – Live Classes menu to sign up for Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Koru Mindfulness 4-week course, a virtual mini-retreat, and more. |
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| Online Yoga Classes With Aly |
Sep 29 – Dec 22 every Wednesday from 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Virtual |
Westgate is offering Yoga classes for the MIT community. The classes are online and free of charge. We would like to thank the MIT GSC Funding Board for sponsoring this event. Wednesdays at 7:30 PM, starting on Sept. 29 and ending on Dec. 22, 2021. Please sign-up to receive the Zoom link.
Contact: axelvera@mit.edu |
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MIT International Students Office
77 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
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Office Hours:
9:00-16:00 (M-F)
Closed (W) 10:00-11:30
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