Copy
MIT | ISO | International Students Office
ISO Newsletter
May 7, 2021
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ISO Update
Sent May 1, 2021 from iso-broadcast email

(1) Executive Order Imposing COVID-19 Travel Restrictions to U.S. adds India
(2) U.S. State Department Announces Limits to Visa Services in India
(3) 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 (effective August 1, 2021 for some countries on this list)
(4) USICE/SEVP Issues Enrollment Guidance for Academic Year 2021-2022

READ ISO UPDATE
Reminder: Tax Resources for May 17 deadline
Tax Workshop: Recording & Slides available here 
Students are required to file income tax returns for all who had been physically present in the U.S. during the 2020 calendar year. Students physically inside the U.S. during 2020, whether they worked or not, are required to file an income tax return. The usual deadline is April 15 of each year; however, the deadline for federal and Massachusetts state income tax forms for year 2020 was extended to Monday, May 17, 2021.

A brief overview of the available tax resources are as follows:

Tax Guidance for Non-Resident Tax Filers
The MIT Office of the Vice President for Finance, in cooperation with the International Scholars Office (ISchO) and the International Students Office (ISO), created a website for foreign nationals to provide resources and links related to receiving payments from MIT and guidance on income taxes. This is the best place to start with any questions about taxes and filing your income tax returns. 

MIT Tax Workshops Presentation Recordings/Slidedecks
On March 2, 2021, MIT hosted Tax Workshops for MIT students and scholars regarding the filing the 2020 calendar year income tax returns.

The Workshop recordings and slidedecks are posted on the MIT VPF “How to Get Tax Help” webpage.  

Additional tax information for international students and scholars is available on the VPF website.

Glacier Tax Prep Software
The ISO makes available to MIT international students for free a license for the Glacier Tax Prep software to assist in completing the Federal income tax return. The software is available here
MIT Announces Vaccination Requirement for Fall 2021
FAQ Includes Specific Information for International Students
On April 30, 2021, MIT announced that all students enrolled for the Fall 2021 semester must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
MIT has posted an FAQ on the vaccine requirement, and there is a specific section of the FAQ with responses to general questions received from international students with concerns about completing the vaccination process before arrival to MIT for the Fall 2021 semester.
ISO recommends that you read both the announcement and the FAQ in full as it should answer most questions.
If students have additional questions after review of these documents, you may contact MIT Medical directly (medical@mit.edu). (edited) 
READ FAQ
ISO SPONSORED EVENTS


Cooking with Antoinette
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
12noon to 1:30pm EDT

Join ISO staff member Antoinette as she teaches us again how to make two simple and fun recipes. You don't have to cook both recipes, only what you are most interested in. Or just observe! See ingredient flyers. 


Recurring Zoom Link here

Sign up requested but not required
Zoom Break: Codenames
Thursday, May 13, 2021
1
:00 - 2:00 PM EDT
Join  your fellow students and have some fun playing Codenames!

Recurring Zoom link here

Sign Up requested for new participants

Open to entire MIT community during IAP
Co-sponsored by ISO and Postdoc Association (PDA)
 

Add event to calendar

Apple Google Office 365 Outlook Outlook.com Yahoo

Zoom Break: Among Us
Thursday, May 27, 2021
1:00 - 2:00 PM EDT
Join to play an hour of Among Us with us!

The game can be found here for Android and here for iOS.
A quick introduction video to how the game works is here!
 

Recurring Zoom link here

Sign Up requested for new participants

Add event to calendar

Apple Google Office 365 Outlook Outlook.com Yahoo

MIT EVENTS & PROGRAMS
SaveTFP Fridays
Next Event: Scavenger Hunt Night
Friday May 7, 9:00-11:00 PM EDT

Zoom link: https://mit.zoom.us/j/94450057360
 

Escape the pset grind while meeting new friendos and competing for fun prizes (!) in virtual escape rooms! For on-campus people, race with your pod to locate clues spread out all over MIT.

 

This is a great way to explore campus if you’re new to the area and have campus access via CovidPass! If you want to participate in the on-campus portion, please fill out this non-binding RSVP so that we can have an idea of how many teams to expect.


Various events happening each Friday during the spring semester. 

Open to everyone


Add our Google Calendar and/or fill out this form to be added to our mailing list!
The Personal Empowerment Series
Visit ENGAGE.MIT.EDU to RSVP for each workshop

May 11, 2021 at 7:00 PM EST:
Alumni Social Hour
 
Sponsored by Student Organizations Leadership Engagement (SOLE), in partnership with MCR, DUSP, Political Science, ISO, MITAA, VPR, PKG, CAPD, LGBTQ@MIT, and OMP
Writing Together Online with the WCC: May Edition
Every Mon, 8:00 - 9:30 AM EDT
Every Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri 9:00 - 10:30 AM EDT


Register for any number of 90-minute sessions through this link
 
As you wrap up the spring semester, make May a month of productive writing for you. Please join the WCC in Writing Together Online to work on your writing projects starting May 1st through May 27th. Our daily 90-minute sessions create a community of writers who connect, set realistic goals, and write together to motivate each other and to make progress on their academic projects. This program is open to graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, researchers, or all, who are actively writing their proposals, manuscripts, or thesis/dissertation chapters. 
 
Please note that those who attend at least 5 sessions in May will be automatically entered into the raffle of gift-card prizes taking place on Thursday, May 27th at 10:30am. The more you participate, the more times you will be entered into the raffle of prizes.
For more information and to register, go to this link or check the WCC website. Please spread the word and join with friends and peers.
 
Register Here
MIT Center for WorkLife and WellBeing Seminar Series
Spring Seminar Offerings Here
Open to grad students, postdocs, & staff
Check out the MIT Center for WorkLife and WellBeing's webinar series for the Spring '21. 

These expert-led webinars are free, but registration is required.

Seminar highlights:
  • Coping with Worries: Emotional Survival Strategies (3-Part Series)
  • The Importance of Empathy
  • Coping as an Asian Pacific American
  • It's Ok Not to Be Ok
  • Fostering Emotional Safety and a Supportive Culture During the Transition Back
Sign Up
Wellness Events & Resources
Daily Table grocery store
Visit in Central Square
No one should have to choose between their health and their budget when it comes to food. That's why Daily Table sources nutritious, delicious food at prices that every budget can afford --an average of 30% less than other local supermarkets.
READ MORE
GAIN
MIT Graduate Assistance & Information Network
MIT graduate students can call the MIT Graduate Assistance & Information Network (GAIN)—a free, 24/7 confidential service that can make life easier for graduate students and their families. One call puts them in touch with work-life experts who can provide:
 
  • Financial consultations 
  • Legal consultations 
  • Child care resources and referrals 
  • Senior care resources and referrals 
  • Relocation guidance 
  • Career assessments 
  • Nutrition counseling 

Resources for other life concerns, including moving services, home repair and cleaning services, pet care, fitness programs and trainers, and more
GAIN WEBSITE
MIT International Students Office
77 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
Office Hours:
9:00-16:00 (M-F)
Closed (W) 10:00-11:30
You are receiving this email because you have signed up for updates from MIT ISO.
Unsubscribe
Facebook Instagram