The following email was sent out to international scholars:
Dear International Scholars,
The holiday season is approaching, which is a busy time for international travel. Before deciding whether to travel internationally, please read the following detailed information carefully. More than ever, it is important to consult with an ISchO Advisor prior to international travel. We encourage you to monitor ISchO News or MIT Major Immigration Updates for up-to-date information.
Valid Visa Stamp
You must have a valid visa stamp in your passport to enter the U.S.* (with possible exception for short trips to Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands**). If your visa stamp has expired or will expire before your planned return to the U.S., you must make a non-immigrant visa appointment at a U.S. Consulate. If you need a new visa stamp, we recommend that you make an appointment with the U.S. Consulate at your destination as soon as possible. Be aware that U.S. Consulates are busy this time of year, and will be closed for U.S. and local holidays. As always, the issuance of visa stamps is at the discretion of the Consular Officers. Please also read ISchO’s Travel and Visa Renewal Information and Travel Advisory.
*Canadian citizens are exempt from the visa requirement.
** More information is available on the ISchO website. Please contact an ISchO advisor if you have questions.
Notify Your MIT Department
If you plan to travel internationally and plan to be outside of the US for an extended period of time, inform your supervisor/faculty host and the Human Resources administrator in your department, lab or center. If you are unable to return to MIT when originally planned, it may affect your MIT appointment. Do not assume that you will be permitted to work for MIT from outside the U.S.
Traveling with Electronics
Before traveling with MIT research data or equipment please read the detailed guidance from the Office of the General Counsel, international travel and export control information from the Office of the Vice President for Research, and the IS&T Travel and Technology website. You can find links to these pages on our website here. (Please note an MIT Web Certificate may be required). Additionally, depending on your situation you may decide to request loaner devices from IS&T for your travel.
J-1 Exchange Visitors, Form DS-2019 Travel Signature
The “travel validation” space at the bottom right of your Form DS-2019 should contain a signature from our office, not more than one year old as of the date of your intended return. If you have international travel plans and do not have an up-to-date signature on your Form DS-2019, please stop by our office in E18-209 during our office hours (Monday-Friday, 9am – 3pm) at least 3 weeks prior to your travel date. Please bring your most recent Form DS-2019 and passport, as well as of those of your J-2 family members (if applicable).
Note: MIT and ISchO will be closed 11/28/2024 and 11/29/2024 in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday, and between 12/25/2024 and 1/1/2025 for MIT's winter break. Please plan accordingly, and for travel emergencies, please refer to our website for further guidance.
H-1B, TN, O-1 and Other Non-J-1 Scholars
Please contact ischo@mit.edu or your ISchO advisor for detailed instructions.
F-1 OPT, STEM OPT, J-1 AT, J-l Fulbright Scholars
Please contact your F-1 school/J-1 visa sponsor for instructions.
Thank you for reading this important information. If you have travel or visa-related concerns or questions after reviewing the above information, please email ischo@mit.edu and an advisor will be in touch with you.
We wish you a safe and warm winter season.
Regards,
International Scholars Office
ischo@mit.edu
617-253-2851
ischo.mit.edu