What's New

July 22, 2024
HIO Orientations on Zoom

We encourage all incoming Harvard international students and scholars to attend the HIO “Getting Started – Part 1” Orientation on Zoom. We will cover a wide range of topics to help you prepare for your program at Harvard. We also offer a monthly Zoom orientation for spouses and partners. Advance registration is not required; you can find the schedule for all orientations and the Zoom meeting link here.

July 21, 2024
Summer Is Here!

Are you a Harvard international student or scholar staying in the Boston area this summer? Check out the Outings & Innings website to find reduced-price tickets available to the Harvard community for local museums, movies, plays, sports, concerts, and other family-friendly events. (Harvard Key login is required.) We wish you a great summer!

July 17, 2024
Outdoor Movie Night: Jaws

Enjoy a movie under the stars on the Harvard Medical School (HMS) Quad! On Thursday, July 18, 2024 at sunset (around 8:15 pm) the Office for Postdoctoral Fellows of Harvard Medical School/Harvard School of Dental Medicine will be hosting an outdoor movie night with a screening of "Jaws," the classic movie from 1975. Bring your own snacks and beverages, and don't forget a blanket or lawn chair to lounge on! This event is open to the entire Harvard community, hospital affiliates and their families. More details are available here.

May 30, 2024
Congratulations to the Harvard Class of 2024!

The HIO congratulates the Harvard Class of 2024 on their Commencement! Best wishes in your future endeavors!

You can revisit this year's Commencement activities here.

May 8, 2024
Special STEM OPT Virtual Drop-in Hours with the HIO
May 1, 2024
Congratulations to the Harvard Class of 2024!

The HIO congratulates the Harvard Class of 2024 on their Commencement! Best wishes in your future endeavors!

You can find more information about this year's Commencement activities here.

April 22, 2024
Harvard ARTS FIRST 2024!

Join the Harvard community for the Harvard ARTS FIRST Festival - five days of arts and music-making from April 24-28, 2024! The annual festival is produced by the Office for the Arts at Harvard to celebrate and showcase the arts and creativity on campus. During the festival, Harvard students, staff, faculty, alums and affiliates perform in and around Harvard Yard on 10 indoor and outdoor stages.

Enjoy the cultural richness of the performances as well as exhibitions and hands-on artmaking. Find out about 100+ events here. Most are free; some require tickets for purchase. Come for an hour, come for the day. All are welcome to celebrate the arts at Harvard!

March 27, 2024
USCIS Filing Fee Increase for OPT/STEM OPT Applications
March 8, 2024
Two upcoming webinars

The HIO is pleased to announce two upcoming webinars for Harvard students and scholars.

January 26, 2024
F-1 OPT Applications for May 2024 Grads
January 19, 2024
Preparing for U.S. Tax Season
December 15, 2023
Winter Break Hours
December 5, 2023
Reminder: Travel Signatures for International Travel

If you are planning on traveling internationally over the winter break, please check to ensure that you have all required immigration documents necessary to re-enter the U.S. 

If you need a travel signature on your Form I-20 or DS-2019, please review the applicable instructions below.

  • F-1 students or J-1 students and scholars may request a travel signature to be sent via email by completing the Travel Signature Request Form.
  • You may also:
    • Visit the HIO for a travel signature during our walk in travel signature hours, which take place Monday - Friday from 12pm - 2pm on the 8th floor of the Smith Campus Center.
    • The HIO also hosts travel signature hours in the Longwood area for students, student interns, and scholars. An HIO Advisor will be available every other Wednesday from 1:00pm - 3:00pm in Gordon 006 (at the HMS/HSDM Office for Postdoctoral Fellows - see map). The full schedule may be found here.

For more information on contacting the HIO, please see Contact Us.

October 16, 2023
Both Nonimmigrant & Immigrant Visa Processing Suspended in Israel
October 11, 2023
Green Cards, Entrepreneurship, & Work Visas Information Session November 1
September 25, 2023
International Payee Tax Compliance Team Outreach Sessions
July 7, 2023
CBP Announces ESTA Ineligibility for Travelers Who Have Been Present in Cuba
May 25, 2023
Congratulations to the Harvard Class of 2023!

The HIO congratulates the Harvard Class of 2023 on their Commencement! Best wishes in your future endeavors!

You can revisit the Commencement ceremonies here.

May 3, 2023
COVID Vaccination Requirement for International Air Travel Ends May 11
March 24, 2023
F-1 Student Visa Applications

Effective immediately, F student visas can now be issued up to 365 days in advance of the I-20 program start date, allowing more time for students to apply for a visa. Students are still not allowed to enter the U.S. on a student visa more than 30 days before their program start date. For a full overview of the visa application process, please see the Student Visa Application page. 

Pages