Some international visitors will be classified as Visiting Scholars. Full-time regular employees needing H-1B work authorization and postdocs are not included in this category. Visiting Scholars can be funded by themselves, UAB stipend, their home government, or any combination thereof. PLEASE NOTE: Not every Visiting Scholar will require a J-1 visa to enter the US. Some will be able to achieve their objective entering the US via the ESTA visa waiver program or on a B-1 temporary business visitor visa, or will already be in the US in a status that allows them to pursue a research or training objective at UAB.

Administrators who will onboard individuals offered appointments in the 02/04/60 Job Assignment Categories must submit a PAR to have the title of Visiting Scholar accessible to their unit (if not already available) and must follow the Visiting Scholar (IVS) process before connecting with ISSS for J-1 immigration support, if needed.

To begin, please complete this Host Form https://www.uab.edu/medicine/international/international-programs/international-visiting-scholars/international-visiting-scholar-clinical-observership and email it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For a sneak peek at the entirety of the Visiting Scholar process, visit https://www.uab.edu/medicine/international/international-programs/international-visiting-scholars.

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.

[Visiting International Medical Students and International Visiting Medical Observers should follow the processes found on the International Medical Education website here: https://www.uab.edu/medicine/international/international-programs].

Important Considerations

• Full-time regular employees needing H-1B work authorization and postdocs are not considered Visiting Scholars. Hiring for these individuals must begin directly with UAB's Office of International Faculty & Staff Immigration Services (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., for H-1B sponsorship) or International Student & Scholar Services (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., for J-1 postdocs). They do NOT go through the Visiting Scholar process.
• If it is determined that a Visiting Scholar will need J-1 sponsorship, ISSS will issue a Certificate of Eligibility for J-1 Status (Form DS-2019), which will allow the Visiting Scholar to apply for a J-1 visa at a US embassy/consulate abroad and enter the US to engage in their offered opportunity at UAB. 
• The Visiting Scholar process is for short-term, temporary, irregular, or volunteer appointments ONLY. These appointments, like all appointments at UAB, are subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and all state and federal workplace laws. Individuals CANNOT be appointed in 02/04/60 positions less favorable than those offered to US workers (including provision of benefits) and CANNOT be permitted to volunteer to perform duties for which a US worker would otherwise be paid. Please consult the HR Consultant for your unit with any questions or concerns before proceeding with a Visiting Scholar appointment.