News and Announcements

April 2022

Income Tax Return (for 2021 tax year) – Filing Deadline April 18, 2022
April 9, 2022

Just a reminder that the annual income tax return filing deadline, for those who were physically present in the U.S. during the calendar year 2021, is April 18, 2022.  Current […]

USCIS Final Rule Expands Premium Processing
April 4, 2022

On March 30, 2022, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a final rule titled Implementation of the Emergency Stopgap USCIS Stabilization Act. Of note in the new rule is expanding […]

February 2022

State Department Provides Important Update/FAQ on Expansion of J-1 Academic Training in STEM Fields
February 18, 2022

The U.S. Department of State has posted a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to the bottom of their announcement of January 21, 2022 that it will expand J-1 Academic Training employment […]

ISO / MIT Offices CLOSED on Monday, February 21, 2022
February 18, 2022

The ISO, and most MIT Offices, will be closed on Monday, February 21, 2022 in observance of the Presidents’ Day holiday. The ISO will re-open for walk-ins beginning at 10:00am […]

January 2022

USDHS Adds 22 Fields to STEM Designated Degree Program List
January 27, 2022

On January 21, 2022, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that it has added 22 fields of study, and corresponding Department of Education Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes […]

State Department Expands J-1 Academic Training for Undergraduate or Pre-Doctoral Degree Programs in STEM
January 27, 2022

September 16, 2024: The U.S. Department of State announced via email to all J Exchange Visitor Visa sponsors of the extension of the J-1 Academic Training STEM Extension program until […]

DOS Announces F/M/J Visa Processing Posts for Applicants in Russia
January 24, 2022

On January 21, 2022, the U.S. Department of State announced that due to limited consular operations in Moscow, Russia that multiple posts have been designated for processing certain nonimmigrant visa […]

Proof of Full COVID-19 Vaccination Required to Enter U.S. from Canada and Mexico
January 24, 2022

On January 20, 2022, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (USDHS) announced that all non-U.S. citizens entering the U.S. via land and ferry terminal ports of entry from Canada or Mexico […]

December 2021

ISO Update – December 29, 2021
December 29, 2021

CONTENTS Travel Restrictions to the U.S. from 8 Countries of Southern Africa REVOKED, effective December 31, 2021 USDOS Extends Discretion for Consulates to Waive In-Person Visa Interviews For Certain Nonimmigrants […]

ISO Travel Guidance – Fall/Winter Break 2021-2022
December 29, 2021

UPDATE 12/29/2021: Effective December 31, 2021, the travel restrictions to the U.S. from the 8 countries of Southern Africa will be revoked. For details, please click here. ALL travelers must […]