Requests for J-1 exchange visitors to be appointed in UAB's 02, 04, or 60 job assignment category must be reviewed pursuant to UAB's international visitor process. This includes requests for 60 Volunteer appointments for current F-1 students. These exchange visitors can be funded by themselves, UAB, their home government, or any combination thereof.
UAB's comprehensive, campus-wide process for the onboarding of international visitors addresses not only the health and safety of both the UAB community and exchange visitors themselves, but also assures that the visitors’ time on campus can be mutually productive. A flowchart for the process may be found by viewing the International Visiting Scholar (IVS) Admission Tracking Process. This process must be followed for all 02/04/60 appointment requests for international visitors.
While responsibility for the management of international visitors’ UAB activities remains with the host department/unit, documentation necessary for on- and off-boarding according to applicable UAB policies and procedures must be provided to
ISSS will assist with immigration processing as necessary after 02/04/60 appointment paperwork has been cleared, generally only for J-1 exchange visitor invitations and review of immigration documents for other statuses. 01 Regular positions, 07 Residents/Fellows, and 20/21 Postdoc appointments still must be requested through usual recruitment, Office of Postdoctoral Education, GME, and HR channels.
If you are looking to invite someone in the 02 temporary, 04 irregular, or 60 volunteer job assignment category, please follow this process:
Step 1: IVS – email
Step 2: ISSS – once the offer letter is finalized and the IVS application packet is completed, email
Please contact IVS and ISSS so a folder in Box can be set up to collect ALL documents for both steps of the process.
Important Considerations
- The exchange visitor must first be able to provide proof of English proficiency.
- ISSS is responsible for issuing a Certificate of Eligibility for J-1 Status (Form DS-2019), which will allow an exchange visitor to apply for a J-1 visa at a US embassy/consulate abroad. ISSS does not issue visas and cannot control either when an exchange visitor actually applies for the visa or when the Department of State actually issues the visa and returns the exchange visitor's passport.
- Visa processing times are unpredictable. ISSS must receive ALL documents and forms (including those provided to IVS) at least 2-3 months before the desired start date.