J-1 immigration status is appropriate for a specifically-defined research or training opportunity sponsored by a specific UAB department at a specific site for a specific period of time and does not allow employment, research, or training beyond that defined in the offer/invitation letter from UAB. Please note that the Department of State describes the minimum qualifications for a Research Scholar as "a bachelor’s degree with appropriate experience in the field of which research is to be conducted" [9 FAM 402.5-6(E)(8)]. The same is expected for Short-Term Scholars and Professors. A master’s or terminal degree in the field of research is strongly preferred at UAB.
Administrators whose units will be receiving J-1 Exchange Visitors coming to UAB as 20/21 Postdoctoral Employees or Trainees can begin the process below immediately with ISSS. Please see the separate section specifically for J-1 physicians coming for training in UAB's GME and non-standard programs via ECFMG sponsorship, which are also handled directly by ISSS.
Administrators whose units will receive J-1 Exchange Visitors coming to UAB in 02/04/60 Job Assignment Categories will need to submit a PAR to have the title of Visiting Scholar accessible to their unit and must begin the International Visiting Scholar (IVS) process described below before connecting with ISSS for J-1 immigration support.
ISSS J-1 Advisors are available for phone and in-person meetings covering DS-2019 extensions, orientation sessions, insurance coverage extensions, or any other questions regarding your immigration status. We can serve you best when we have a time dedicated to your specific question and after you have gathered the documents relevant to your immigration plan. Avoid the wait in our lobby by scheduling an appointment with one of our advisors using the button below. Before scheduling an appointment, please review the information on our website. You will likely find the answer to many of your questions there and can save yourself a trip!
Please book your appointment AT LEAST 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE.
We also offer drop-in, private advising on Zoom every Monday from 2:30-4:00 PM at the link/meeting ID provided in the Globetrotter e-newsletter sent to all J-1 visiting scholars.
UAB is a world-class, Tier 1 research institution and academic medical center where you can thrive as a postdoc thanks to support from UAB's Office of Postdoctoral Education. Learn more and apply for open positions here: https://www.uab.edu/postdocs/prospective-postdocs.
In the US, a postdoctoral fellow is generally defined as an individual holding a doctoral degree who is engaged in a temporary period of mentored research and/or scholarly training for the purpose of acquiring the professional skills needed to pursue an independent career path. Learn more on the National Postdoctoral Association website.
Administrators whose units will be receiving J-1 Exchange Visitors coming to UAB as 20/21 Postdoctoral Employees or Trainees can begin the process below immediately with ISSS.