When does an international student admitted to MIT receive immigration papers?
After formal admission to MIT, international students must submit the Financial Certification Form (included in the Practical Planning Guide) to the International Students Office. Attached to that form should be all relevant financial documentation. Once the ISO has received the complete and appropriate forms, it normally takes approximately three weeks for the Form I-20 (for the F-1 visa) or Form DS2019 (for the J-1 visa) to be issued and mailed to the incoming graduate student. Be advised, however, that recent changes in the degree of scrutiny for visa applicants may lengthen this period. You are advised to apply as early as possible.
