You should apply through the appropriate admissions office to get into a UAB degree program. See Undergraduate Admissions or Graduate admissions for more information.

On-campus work is allowed for students in valid F-1 or J-1 status. During the academic term, students are limited to 20 hours per week and can work full-time during vacation and breaks. Off-campus work authorization is not allowed for the first 9 months of holding F-1 status. Off-campus employment options should be discussed with ISSS.

You must be fully admitted into a degree-seeking program (i.e., bachelor, master, doctorate, etc.) in order to be issued an I-20 or DS-2019 form. In addition, you must provide proof of funding for one academic year by providing an affidavit of support from your sponsor and an original bank statement. Students receiving funding from their home country government, some international organizations, or the United States government may be required to obtain an DS-2019.

If you are completing a lower degree and wish to pursue a higher-level degree within UAB, you must apply to and be admitted into the higher-level degree program. You must obtain proof of funding through your department or by providing an affidavit of support and original bank statement in order to receive a new I-20 or DS-2019. If you are transferring to UAB from another school and changing levels, then you will need to do all of the previously mentioned steps and also providing a transfer clearance form from your previous university.

Whether you are in F-1 or J-1 status, you must have a valid F1 or J1 visa stamp and valid I-20 or DS-2019 with a travel signature dated within the last year. Additionally recommended documentation: transcript copies, proof of funding for one year, and proof of current registration (if applicable)

Students in F-1 status have up to 60 days after graduation to do one of the following:

1. apply for and be admitted into a new degree program (must occur before 60 days);
2. Apply for post-completion optional practical training (OPT);
3. depart the US; or 4) change to another visa status.

Students in J-1 status have only 30 days after graduation to do one of the following:

1. apply for and be admitted into a higher degree level;
2. apply for J-1 academic training; or
3. depart the US. If you plan to depart UAB and return home, you must submit a Departure Form to ISSS with a forwarding address.

You must apply for and be admitted into a degree program and submit current financial documents (affidavit of support and original bank statement) in addition to a transfer clearance form from your current university.

ISSS can provide a sample invitation letter template for you to complete for family members (please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request). This along with copies of your transcript and/ or UAB I-20 will be enough to confirm you are a UAB student However, the visa officer will be most concerned about your family’s’ ties to their home country (ex. family, job, property etc.) since they are applying for a non-immigrant visitor visa. They will likely also need to prove that they will have enough funding for the trip.

Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and request a letter of good standing.

No. Visa renewal must be done at a US Embassy or Consulate abroad. It is recommended you renew in your home country, however it is possible to renew in a third country such as Canada or Mexico. If you prefer to renew the visa in a third country, you must confirm the US Embassy or Consulate will process "third country national" visa applications before making an appointment. If your visa application is denied in a "third country," you cannot re-enter the US directly. You must return to your home country first and obtain the visa there.

You must be fully admitted into a degree-seeking program and provide proof of full financial support (original bank statement & affidavit of support). Then, you can either:

1. apply for an F-1 visa at a US embassy or consulate in Mexico, Canada, or your home country; or
2. file a change of status request with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

F-2 dependents cannot enroll in a degree-seeking program, but can enroll in avocational and recreational courses such as improving English, hobby classes, and/or exercise. F-2 dependents cannot receive any kind of financial compensation. An F-2 who wishes to attend school full-time should apply for change to F-1 status. H-4 and J-2 dependents can be part-time or full-time students.

F-2 dependents cannot be employed. Certain H-4 dependents, in very limited circumstances, can work in the US after applying for and receiving an employment authorization document from USCIS. J-2 dependents are also allowed to work only if they apply for and receive an employment authorization card directly from USCIS and affirm that their income is not designed to support the J-1 primary beneficiary.