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For Students

Getting Started

Congratulations on your admittance to MIT! As you begin to think about your trip to Cambridge, we’d like to offer you some important information that will be helpful in your planning. This entire “For Students” section of our web site, including “newly admitted student information,” “important information,” and “life at MIT,” will be useful to you. We hope that you will take the time to review this online guide carefully, as it should answer many of the questions that you may have. While you read, keep in mind that information often differs for undergraduate and graduate students. We will try to present procedures clearly for both groups of students. Upon arrival, you will receive much more information and have opportunities to attend orientation sessions. Best wishes as you plan your travel to MIT. We look forward to seeing you in Cambridge.

First Steps for students who are outside of the US

If you are already in the US, go to the next section.

Before you arrive, you MUST do the following:

1. Submit your Financial Certification Form to the ISO.
   (Allow 2 weeks for processing time in addition to mailing time.)
2. Receive the I-20 or DS-2019 from the ISO & carefully review
   the ISO letter that comes with your document.
3. Make an appointment with the US Consulate with the SEVIS ID
   on the I-20 or DS-2019* to apply for the F-1 or J-1 visa.
4. Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, print receipt.
   (http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/index.htm)
5. Have appointment with the US Consular officer*.
6. Pick up passport with F-1 or J-1 visa*.
7. Prepare for travels to the US 30 days before your program
   start date.
8. Arrive in the US and cross the US Borders.
9. Check in at the MIT ISO

*Canadian citizens do NOT need to apply for the F or J visa. However, they still have to follow the rest of the procedures and enter the U.S. with a valid I-20 or DS-2019.

First Steps for those who are already in the US

1. Submit your Financial Certification Form to the ISO.
   (Allow 2 weeks for processing time in addition to mailing time.)
2. If you are already in the US at another academic institution on
   F or J visa status AND you wish to stay in the same visa status,
   submit the ISO Transfer Form.
3. Receive the I-20 or DS-2019 from the ISO & carefully review the
   ISO letter that comes with your document.
4. If you are currently in the US on another visa category, please see
   our Change of Visa Status section. You will need to be in F or J status
   before enrolling in classes at MIT. You will also have to pay the
   SEVIS I-901 fee in order to change your visa status.
5. If you plan to travel, prepare travel documents.
6. Arrive in Cambridge
7. Check in at the MIT ISO.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our office and speak with an advisor. Please see our Obtaining a Visa section for more detail.

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