News & Announcements

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This page has the latest news of interest to international scholars. Please address any questions to an advisor in the MIT International Scholars Office.

Click on the headline title of the story to read more details. 

News

ISchO Closed Monday, February 19, 2024

The ISchO, and most MIT offices, will be closed in observance of Presidents Day on Monday, February 19, 2024.

USCIS Announces Application Fee Increases, Effective April 1, 2024

On January 31, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a Final Rule to adjust fees for certain immigration and naturalization benefit applications, effective April 1, 2024.

Department of State Pilot Program – Domestic Visa Renewals for Qualified H-1B Visa Applicants

The Department of State has released additional information and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the pilot program to allow certain H-1B nonimmigrants to renew their visas in the U.S.

ISchO Closed Monday, January 15, 2024

The International Scholars Office (ISchO), and most MIT offices, will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, January 15, 2024. Please see Resources and Emergency Protocol for guidance regarding travel emergencies.

USCIS Premium Processing Fees to Increase Effective February 26, 2024

On December 28, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (USDHS) announced a final rule that will increase the filing fee to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for Premium Processing for certain applications, using Form I-907 Request for Premium Processing, due to inflation. The final rule will become effective on applications postmarked, or received via online filing, on or after February 26, 2024.

Updated ISchO Walk-in Hours, Effective January 2, 2024

Effective January 2, 2024 the ISchO will be open to walk-in visitors Monday – Thursday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. On Fridays, we will be available by appointment only between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm.

Extended Winter Break - Saturday, Dec 23, 2023, to Monday, January 1, 2024

Extended Winter Break - Please note that the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s winter break extends from Saturday, Dec 23, 2023, to Monday, January 1, 2024. During that time, the International Scholars Office will be closed.  The Institute will reopen on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. Please see Resources and Emergency Protocol for guidance regarding travel emergencies.

ISchO Co-Sponsors Women's League Coffee Social and Holiday Wreath Making

MIT Women's League

Join the MIT Women's League for coffee and delicious bakery items and help create the large holiday wreaths that hang at the entrance to 77 Massachusetts Avnue. Co-sponsored by the International Scholars Office.

Additional New Support Offering for Staff, Postdocs, and Faculty

MIT will be hosting two small, moderated discussion groups for all staff, postdocs, and faculty on Thursday, November 30 and Wednesday, December 6: Processing Your Emotions During Troubling Times.

Upcoming Webinars to Help Navigate Uncertainty and Foster a Compassionate Community

Two upcoming webinars have been organized for the staff, postdoctoral and faculty community to help with processing distressing events and navigating difficult conversations. Staff members in all roles are welcome. Dates, times, more details, and links to join are available on the Human Resources website (Touchstone required); registration is not required.

MIT Postdoc Association Hosts Seminar, "U.S. Immigration and Employment Options for International Postdocs and Graduate Students"

The MIT Postdoctoral Association (PDA) will host Jim Arkell of the Arkell Immigration Team of Dunn Law Firm, LLP. The Arkell Immigration Team will discuss U.S. immigration and employment options for international postdocs and graduate students. The PDA's announcement and the signup link are below.

MIT International Education Week - November 13-17, 2023

International Education Week is November 13-17, 2023. Click here for a compilation of cultural and educational events happening around campus this week.