News & Announcements

UPDATE - November 13, 2023: The new deadline for Congress to pass a long-term spending bill to keep the U.S. government funded is November 17, 2023. Please see below for more information about the potential impact on international students and scholars of a U.S. government shutdown.

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

ISchO's Fall Welcome Reception will be held on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from 2 pm - 4 pm. Download flyer

he U.S. Embassy in Israel announced that due to the ongoing security situation, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and the Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv are not offering nonimmigrant and immigrant visa services at this time.

As a result of the recent regulatory change allowing for digital signatures and electronic transmission of DS-2019s, ISchO will begin issuing digitally-signed DS-2019s.

On June 17, 2023, the nonimmigrant visa (NIV) application processing fee for visitor visas for business or tourism (B1/B2s and BCCs), and other non-petition based NIVs such as student and exchange visitor visas (F, M, and J visas), will increase from $160 to $185.

As of April 22, 2023, the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum suspended its operations. All immigrant and diversity visa interviews are canceled until further notice. Nonimmigrant visa applicants may apply in any country in which they are physically present and where there are appointments available.

On March 10, 2023, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the rescission of the requirements for a negative COVID-19 test result to board a flight to travel to the U.S.

On March 6, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the expansion of Premium Processing services to applications for F-1 Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (Pre-Completion OPT), F-1 Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (Post-Completion OPT), and F-1 STEM Optional Practical Training Extension (STEM OPT).

The US Department of State (DOS) announced that F and M student visas for new students now can be issued up to 365 days before the start date for a course of study.

Students, faculty and staff have responded quickly in the wake of the disaster. Read about MIT efforts support earthquake relief for communities in Turkey and Syria to see how you can help.