For MIT to complete the I-9 form, student workers must provide the original document(s) referred to on the Lists of Acceptable Documents. You may not begin work at MIT until your I-9 form has been completed.
We have provided some visa-specific examples of types of acceptable documents you can bring to show your authorization to work.
F-1 Student
If your work authorization status is F-1, the following are examples of documents that can evidence work authorization.
If employment is based on Curricular Practical Training (CPT):
- An unexpired foreign passport, and
- Form I-20 with the Designated School Official’s endorsement for employment, and
- I-94 Arrival-Departure Record indicating F-1 status (you can retrieve and print this record from U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
If employment is based on Optional Practical Training (OPT):
- Employment Authorization Document (I-766)
If employment is based on STEM Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT):
- Employment Authorization Document (I-766); or
- If the STEM extension application is still pending, your expired OPT Employment Authorization Document (I-766) presented with a Form I-20 endorsed by the Designated School Official recommending the STEM extension (acceptable only for 180 days from the EAD expiration date).
If employment is specifically on-campus employment:
- An unexpired foreign passport, and
- I-94 Arrival-Departure Record indicating F-1 status (you can retrieve and print this record from U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
- See the link below to determine if you qualify for on-campus employment in this scenario:
J-1 Exchange Visitor
If your work authorization status is J-1, the following are examples of documents that can evidence work authorization:
- An unexpired foreign passport, and
- Form DS-2019 with unexpired program end date, and
- I-94 Arrival-Departure Record indicating J-1 status (you can retrieve and print this record from U.S. Customs and Border Protection), and sometimes
- A letter or other documentation from the Responsible Officer regarding the J-1 student’s work period
Need Help?
Remember that, when completing the Form I-9, you have the right to present any document or combination of documents that were legally issued to you so long as they appear on the Lists of Acceptable Documents.
For questions regarding documentation, please contact the Atlas Service Center.