UAB is proud to welcome exchange students from the following partner universities:
- University of Hull (England)
- University of Nottingham (England)
- University of Stirling (Scotland)
- University of Dundee (Scotland)
- University of Western Australia
- University of New South Wales (Australia)
- Nihon University (Japan)
- Hochschule Esslingen (Germany)
- Universidad de Jaén (Spain)
- KEDGE Business School (France)
Students from these universities can study full time on the UAB campus for one or two semesters and accumulate credit towards their degree. UAB’s ISSS Office will issue a DS-2019 form needed to obtain a J-1 exchange visitor visa at a US Embassy or Consulate and assist exchange students with course registration, on campus accommodation, as well as provide an orientation upon arrival. If you are a student from one of the above partner institutions and interested in studying in Birmingham, follow the steps below to become a Blazer:
First, inquire about studying abroad as an exchange student at your home campus. Begin by asking your education abroad or student exchange office their requirements to earn an exchange student nomination. Spaces are limited, so your home campus will need to nominate you as an exchange student.
Second, have your home campus education abroad or student exchange office recommend you as exchange student by submitting a nomination form to the UAB Office of Education Abroad.
Third, apply to UAB. Complete the UAB transient student application here. (A "transient student" is someone attending UAB for just a semester or two, such as an exchange student, rather than being a degree-seeking student). You will be asked to submit the following documents:
- Letter of good standing from your home university
- Scan of your passport photo page
- Proof of English language proficiency (not applicable for UK and Australian students)
- Proof of funding with signed affidavit of support form
- Transcripts from current and all previous universities you've attended
Finally, check your email for instructions from International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) on how to select courses, apply for housing, plan your arrival, orientation details, and other important information. Additional pre-arrival information for incoming students can be found on the International Student and Scholar webpage.
Housing Basics
On-campus accommodation is primarily reserved for undergraduate students pursuing a bachelor’s degree at UAB. International undergraduate students should apply for on campus housing after obtaining admission through the UAB Student Housing and Residence Life website. International scholars and graduate students are responsible for finding their own accommodations. Start with the UAB Off Campus Student and Family Engagement Housing website to search for housing and roommates or post sublet listings.
Book temporary housing for your first few days or weeks in Birmingham. It will give you some time to visit the area and select a place that fits your budget and needs. You can rent furniture if needed. Below are resources, information and tips to help you in your search.
Terminology
Here are a few terms to know when renting a house or apartment in the US:
| Rental Terms | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Lease | Rental Agreement – please read it carefully, especially the conditions for the end-of-contract obligations and termination clause. Usually the lease lasts a fixed amount of time (6 months, 9 months, 12 months or more) |
| Landlord | Owner of the apartment or manager of the apartment |
| Tenant | You |
| Rent | Amount that you pay every month |
| Security Deposit | Amount that the landlord will hold until the end of the lease for repairs in the event you damage the apartment – usually 1 month rent |
| Utilities | Water, electricity, gas, phone, cable/satellite TV, internet etc. The rent may include some utilities – ask when you visit. |
| Pet Deposit | At many properties pets are not allowed, and if allowed you are required to pay an additional fee |
| Guarantor | This is someone who co-signs your lease to guarantee that your rent will be paid. By co-signing, they agree to pay your rent if you are unable to for any reason. A guarantor is usually a trustworthy, financially stable person with good credit, such as a parent or guardian. If you are unable to secure a guarantor on your own, you can use a guarantor service. |
What Documents Do I Need?
Requirements vary, but generally landlords require proof of identity, income/financial support, character, and lawful presence in the US.
Here are some documents you should present:
- Passport
- Form I-20 (for F-1 status), Form DS-2019 (for J-1 status), and most recent Form I-94 downloaded from the CBP website
- Proof of income or assets
- Personal references
- A potential guarantor
Tips
Read property documents carefully before you sign. A lease to rent housing is a legally binding document.
Some leases are month-to-month (meaning you can leave after any given month, with no obligation to keep renting a particular dwelling for any specific length of time), some are for 6 or 9 months, and some are for 1 year or 2 years. Consider how long you want to live in a certain place before signing a longer lease.
Some rental companies will also allow you to move in or out only in certain months. Since many local properties serve UAB students, often they will want you to start your lease in August or early September and move out the following July.
When visiting an apartment complex or rental house, ask the agent the following questions so that you can make the best decision on where to live, and for how long.
- How much is the monthly rent, and on what day is it due?
- Can I pay rent online, or do I need to bring a check?
- Does the monthly rent include any utilities (e.g., water, electricity, gas, phone (if you want a landline), cable/satellite TV, internet)? If so, which ones?
- Do you require a security deposit? If so, is the security deposit refundable at the end of the lease?
- How long are your rental terms (month-to-month, 6 months, one year)?
- What will I owe if I must break my lease before the end of the agreement?
- Does the lease renew automatically? If so, when will I be notified of any increase in rent?
ISSS:
Due to the large number of requests for the free access codes to the Glacier Tax Preparation (GTP) website, our office will dedicate time twice each week to focus solely on fulfilling these requests. However, we will continue to process these requests throughout the week as we receive them.
IRS: Tax return
- Tax return form 1040NR-EZ has been discontinued.
- Tax returns filing deadline:
- Federal Tax Return: April 15, 2025
- State Tax Return: April 15, 2025
- Tax returns extension deadline: October 15, 2025
- Tax form 8843 submission deadline: June 15, 2025
Federal Tax Returns
If you received any type of income from your scholarship, fellowship, assistantship, on-campus employment, and off-campus employment in the 2024 tax year, you must file a federal tax return. Some of you will also need to file a state tax return.
ISSS provides free access codes to the Glacier Tax Preparation (GTP) website to help you prepare your federal tax return. This web-based program provides step-by-step instructions and assistance with the preparation of the appropriate tax forms.
- GTP users MUST print, sign and mail their tax form 1040NR, 8843, schedule A, schedule OI and the W-2 and/or 1042-S or 1099 to the IRS.
- Please email ISSS at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request a GTP access code.
Federal Tax Return Mailing Addresses
Making a payment (Tax owe)
Internal Revenue Service
P.O. Box 1303
Charlotte, NC 28201-1303
Receiving a refund
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Austin, Texas 73301-0215
Who Qualifies to use Glacier Tax Preparation (GTP) Software?
F-1 and J-1 Students who have been in the USA for five (5) calendar years or less (arrived in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, or 2024).
J-1 Research Scholars who have been in the USA for two (2) calendar years or less (arrived during 2023 or 2024).
State Tax Return
Alabama Department of Revenue provides a free electronic state tax preparation option to all taxpayers filing an Alabama Individual Income tax return with no income limitations. Look for tax form 40NR with calculations - 2024.
Note:
- State tax return MUST be printed, signed and mailed with tax form 40NR, W-2 and/or 1042-S or 1099 and a copy of tax return form 1040NR, 8843, schedule A, schedule OI to AL Department of Revenue.
State Tax Return Mailing Addresses
|
Form |
Making a Payment |
Receiving a Refund |
Not Receiving a Refund or Making a Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Current Form 40NR - |
Alabama Department of Revenue |
Alabama Department of Revenue |
Alabama Department of Revenue
|
Individuals who have Received NO Income
All non-residents present in the U.S. under F-1, F-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status MUST file tax Form 8843: Statement for Exempt Individuals and Individuals With a Medical Condition—even if they received NO income during 2024 tax year. Form 8843 must be filed if an individual is:
- present in the U.S. during 2024
- a nonresident for tax purposes
- present in the U.S. under F-1, F-2, J-1, or J-2 status
Tax Form 8843 - Student (PDF) Tax Form 8843 - Scholar (PDF) Tax Form 8843 - Dependent (PDF)
| Mailing address for filing tax Form 8843 |
|---|
|
You must print, sign, and mail it to: Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Center Austin, TX 73301-0215 USA |
Tax Form W-2
Employers use Form W-2 to report an employee’s annual wages and the amount of federal, state, and other taxes withheld.
This form can be downloaded by going to the UAB Administrative Systems website and clicking on “Oracle HR & Finance”. Log in using your BlazerID and password, and look for the link for “UAB Self-Service Applications” on the left side of the page.
Tax Form 1042-S
UAB uses Form 1042-S to reflect payments for fellowship/scholarship/traineeship, and independent contractor services (such as a one-time award) to anyone with a federal tax treaty benefit.
If you did not receive Form 1042-S in your mailbox, email
Tax Workshops
ISSS provides several tax workshops throughout the year to help the international community have a better understanding of non-resident taxation and non-resident tax return compliance.
Available Tax Workshops
NR Tax Return Workshops
Zoom meeting ID: 893 706 7065
Zoom Meeting Link
| Workshop | Date |
|---|---|
| NR Tax Return Workshop - 1 | Feb 25, 2025 10:00 AM |
| NR Tax Return Workshop - 2 | Mar 17, 2024 10:00 AM |
| NR Tax Return Workshop - 3 | Apr 10, 2024 10:00 AM |
UAB RIFE - NR Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| Thursday, Feb 27, 2025 | 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. |
| Thursday, March 6, 2025 | 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. |
| Thursday, March 20, 2025 | 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. |
| Thursday, April 3, 2025 | 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. |
Full time Enrollment and Reduced Course Loads
In order to maintain legal status inside the US, students with F-1 or J-1 immigration status must register full time for two semesters each academic year (typically fall and spring). For graduate level students, full time is 9 credit hours, and for undergraduate students it is 12 credit hours.
However, F-1 and J-1 students are permitted to request reduced course loads for the following reasons:
- Academic Difficulties (first year of study in US only)
- Medical Condition (must provide documentation from a licensed physician)
- Final Semester
- Completion of Required Graduate Coursework (student is engaged in only graduate level research)
- Annual Vacation (once per academic year)
Students requesting a reduced course load should complete the relevant form above for their circumstance and obtain a signature from their academic department before submitting to
Online/In-Person Course Requirement
During normal academic semesters, F-1 students must also have a minimum number of on campus credit hours to maintain legal status. This is required for both security and cultural reasons to maintain the integrity of the student immigration system. For graduate level students, a minimum of 6 hours must be in face-to-face coursework, while remaining hours can be online (research hours count towards the on-campus hours). Undergraduate level students must enroll in a minimum of 9 hours of face-to-face coursework during an academic semester, while remaining hours can be online.
Program Extensions
F-1 or J-1 students who require additional time to complete program requirements due to a compelling academic or medical reason must submit an I-20 or DS-2019 extension request form signed by their academic advisor. Examples of compelling academic reasons include: change of major or research topic, unexpected research problems, or lost credits for UG students who may have transferred to UAB from another institution. While students have flexibility in extending their immigration status, they must make normal progress towards their degree. I-20 or DS-2019 extensions due to prior suspensions or failing grades are not permitted.
Work Authorization Options for International Students
On-Campus Employment
F-1 and J-1 students may work up to 20 hours on campus as long as they continue to enroll full time and maintain lawful status. The 20-hour per week limit while school is in session applies to all types of on-campus employment. F-1 and J-1 students may work over 20 hours during holidays and vacation periods (i.e., winter and summer breaks) provided that they will register for classes again for the next term.
Students who fall out of status due to their I-20 or DS-2019 being terminated must cease on campus employment. In addition, graduating students may not work on campus beyond the last day of their final semester unless they have been approved for post-completion OPT that begins immediately after their program completion (more information about OPT below). Students who continue to work on campus after graduating must make sure to update their I-9 with their administrator by providing a copy of any new EAD (employment authorization document).
On-Campus Hiring Procedures for F-1 and J-1 Students
Each newly-hired employee must complete and sign Section 1 of Form I-9 no later than the first day of the employment, and Section 2 of Form I-9 must be completed within three business days of the date of hire.
If a student does not have a Social Security Number (SSN), the on-campus employer must request a temporary ID (999#) from Financial Affairs. The temporary ID will allow the student to work and receive money while waiting for an SSN and allows an on-campus employer to complete the new hire ACT document. In order to obtain a SSN, the on-campus employer and student need to follow the instructions found here: “Applying for a Social Security Number”.
ISSS will contact the student and conduct a non-resident tax assessment to ensure that the student’s tax status determination has been made and correctly entered into UAB’s international tax software. ISSS must review, sign, and forward the tax documents to the Payroll Department and verify employment authorization and tax status before students can receive payment.
Off-Campus Employment Options for International Students
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Curricular Practical Training CPT (F-1 Students)
Students who program requires an off-campus internship experience to complete the degree program can apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) through ISSS. Students must enroll in an internship, co-op, or practicum class available within their course curriculum that grants credit hours to their transcript. The internship must directly relate to their degree and can be for either full-time or part-time employment for one academic semester. However, full-time CPT employment can be approved only during a vacation semester (typically summer), or if the student is participating in a UAB sponsored co-op program.
To obtain authorization from ISSS for CPT, the student will need proof of registration in an internship, co-op, or practicum course, a letter from their academic advisor, and an offer letter from the internship employer. ISSS will review the documents and determine if they are sufficient to authorize CPT.
Students must also:
- Maintain lawful F-1 status and be in good academic standing.
- Have completed 9 months of full-time study in their academic program
*Students cannot begin an off-campus internship until CPT has been approved and added to their Form I-20. Working off campus without authorization is a serious violation of the student’s F-1 immigration status.* More information regarding CPT can be found on the student CPT webpage.
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Optional Practical Training (OPT) Recommendation and EAD (F-1 Students)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit for F-1 students that is often used after completing a degree program. Students typically apply during their final semester, and if approved, are granted a minimum of one year of work authorization in their field of study. Students can apply for post-completion (or post-graduation) OPT beginning 90 days before they graduate and up to 60 days after graduating. We request that students check in with their advisor during their final semester and submit a signed OPT Academic Advisor Recommendation form to confirm their graduation date and dissertation or thesis submission date (if applicable). ISSS assists students with the application and often mails it directly to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Students are not tied to one employer; they are permitted to change jobs and have more than one employer. The primary requirements are only that they not begin working until the start date on their card, find a job that relates to their major, and report it through the government’s OPT portal or directly to ISSS. In addition, if a student decides to start a new academic program, they will forfeit any remaining OPT eligibility when they begin the new degree program. More information can be found on our student OPT webpage.
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STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) Extension and I-983
Students who receive a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in a field listed on the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) STEM Designated Degree Program List (and who are currently on post-completion F-1 OPT) may be eligible to apply for a STEM OPT extension.
Students and employers must first complete a Form I-983 Training Plan to begin the STEM OPT extension process. The Form I-983 is required for all students working on a STEM OPT extension, whether they graduated from UAB or from another US university. The student’s direct supervisor must complete pages 1-4 of the I-983 form with the student while leaving the signature section on page 2 blank. Direct supervisors may sign on page 4 after answering the training plan questions on page 3.
All STEM OPT applicants must submit the I-983 directly to ISSS, and we will forward to UAB Human Resources (AB 210) for a signature on page 2. The Chief Human Resources Officer (or a designee) will sign on page 2 of the I-983 for UAB employees. The department must also notify ISSS within five days of the termination of employment. If the STEM OPT student is not a UAB student, ISSS must notify the student’s degree-conferring institution’s international office of any changes and/or termination. Individual STEM OPT students’ supervisors in each department are ultimately responsible for ensuring compliance with the I-983 requirements.
Once ISSS has the completed Form I-983 on file for UAB graduates, we can request the STEM OPT extension in SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Program), the government database. The student can then submit the STEM OPT application to USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services). Please be aware of the following restrictions:
- Volunteering and self-employment are not permitted during STEM OPT extension.
- Students must work at least 20 hours per week while on STEM OPT.
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Academic Training (J-1 Students)
International students in J-1 immigration status are eligible to apply for Academic Training, which allows bachelor’s and master’s students 18 months of off-campus work eligibility in their field of study. PhD students are entitled up to 36 months of total work authorization in their field. Students should provide ISSS with a written job offer that includes the following:
- The start and end date of the employment
- Physical address of the company
- Contact information for the supervisor, and
- A brief description of how the job responsibilities relate to the student’s degree field
The student will also be required to complete an Academic Training plan form with an academic advisor and submit to ISSS. If approved, Academic Training authorization will be added to the student’s Form DS-2019 and allowing them to work for the off-campus employer for up to 18 or 36 months, depending on the student’s education level.
INTO UAB is a joint venture to expand international enrollment across all programs at UAB, including Academic English, Pathways, and direct entry undergraduate and graduate study.
The International Student Center is located on the second floor of Mervyn Sterne Library. It houses fourteen classrooms, the Learning Resource Center, INTO UAB and ISSS staff and faculty offices, a multi-faith prayer room, student lounge, and several student study areas. It is designed to be a supportive and welcoming destination for international students and scholars, providing:
- Academic advising
- Student and scholar immigration support
- Culture Connections program
- Degree-focused and English language tutoring
- Personalized academic, language and cultural support
- Workshops to enhance the learning experience and gain cultural skills
Contact Us
The Welcome Desk in the International Student Center is staffed from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, to help with general questions.
Mervyn H. Sterne Library
917 13th Street South
Second Floor
Birmingham, AL 35233
Phone: (205) 934-4686
