J-1 orientations are held virtually and will be scheduled by Alyette Nixon or Molly Stout according to your arrival date. You will receive an email regarding the details of the session shortly before your arrival.

Orientation sessions generally last about one hour. The Department of State requires all J-1 exchange visitors to review this Welcome Brochure outlining Exchange Visitor Program regulations. You may also want to review the Wilberforce Pamphlet concerning the rights of temporary workers in the United States. You will not be able to enter labs or other UAB workspaces to begin your research until after you attend an ISSS international scholar orientation. After orientation, your UAB department administrator is responsible for your onboarding process to give you access to your lab and set up payroll (if you are funded by UAB).