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. 

Potential impact on international students and scholars of a US government shutdown

If members of the U.S. Congress do not pass legislation to keep the U.S. government funded beyond Friday, March 14, 2025 at 11:59pm Eastern U.S. time, certain government agencies will be affected. In the past, units within some agencies that were fee-funded or considered “essential” continued operations. Others closed when the government shut down.

If the government does shut down, depending on the length of the shutdown and volume of applications submitted, government agencies may have a backlog of work to process when they reopen.

29th European Career Fair

Feb 27 to Mar 3, 2025

Sign up for exclusive events and to be screened for company interviews at the Website 

Winter Wonders! MIT Spouses & Partners Connect February Events

Join MIT Spouses & Partners Connect for a week of love and connections, a special series of events designed to bring our community together for fun, creativity, and cultural exchange! Events on February 11, 13, 14, and 27.

An ISO/ISchO update as you start the new semester

H-1B Modernization Rule & Changes in F-1 OPT/STEM OPT “Cap Gap” authorization

International Students Office

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently finalized the remaining provisions of the H-1B Modernization Act first introduced in October 2023.  Certain provisions related to the H-1B cap were implemented in March 2024, and on December 18, 2024 the remaining provisions were published in the Federal Register to go into effect on January 17, 2025.

J-1 Exchange Visitor Skills List updated - Certain Countries Removed Retroactively

On Monday, December 9, 2024, the US Department of State published Public Notice 12555 in the Federal Register, updating the Exchange Visitor Skills List. The new Skills List becomes effective on December 9, 2024 and is retroactive.

DHS Terminates Arrival Restrictions for Flights Carrying Travelers From Rwanda

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has terminated arrival restrictions applicable to flights to the United States carrying persons who have recently traveled from, or were otherwise present within, Rwanda.

Celebrate International Education Week

International Scholars Office

Please remember to contact ISchO before holiday travel

U.S. Visa Guidance for Individuals Affected by Events in Lebanon

On October 28, 2024, the U.S. Department of State published on its website guidance regarding visa processing at U.S. Embassy in Beirut.

DHS Announces Restrictions on Flights Carrying Travelers from Rwanda

The Secretary of Homeland Security has directed all flights to the United States carrying persons who have recently traveled from, or were otherwise present within, Rwanda to arrive at one of three designated international airports: Chicago O'Hare, John F. Kennedy, or Washington-Dulles. The directive is related to an outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease. Read published notice here.

ISchO Fall Welcome Reception

ISchO's Fall Welcome Reception will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 from 2 pm - 4 pm. Download flyer