Beyond Borders: Thriving as an International Student at UA

• September 18th, 2025
• in Capstone International Services International Main

by Chinecherem Ezeihejafor | Higher Education Administration (PhD Student)

Arriving at The University of Alabama is an exciting milestone, but for international students, it can also bring unique challenges. From adjusting to a new academic system to navigating campus life, thriving at UA means more than just keeping up with coursework. It’s about building connections, prioritizing well-being, and creating your own Alabama story.

Finding Belonging

One of the most important steps in thriving as an international student is finding your place in the Crimson Tide community. Your perspective as an international student is a strength, so share it in class discussions, student organizations, and friendships. Belonging doesn’t mean choosing between your cultural identity and your UA home; it’s about embracing both.

Getting involved in multiple communities helps build a strong support network. Join the International Student Association, but also explore clubs, sports, or academic groups that align with your interests. And when opportunities come your way, either a football game, a study group, or even just coffee—say yes. Those small moments often lead to meaningful connections.

Taking Charge of Your Experience

Thriving at UA also means taking ownership of your journey: learn about campus resources before you need them, from the Writing Center to student services. Advocate for yourself by asking questions and seeking support when needed—professors and advisors want to help you succeed. And don’t forget to set healthy boundaries that balance your studies, social life, and personal needs.

Prioritizing Wellness

Adjusting to life at a new university can feel overwhelming at times. Homesickness, cultural differences, and visa stress are common, but you are not alone. UA’s Counseling Center offers support tailored for international students, and reaching out is a sign of strength. You can also connect with other international students to share how they are navigating immigration plans, processes, and policy changes, building both practical knowledge and a supportive community.

Wellness also means staying active and engaged. The Student Recreation Center offers fitness classes, sports, and activities that help students connect with one another. Many student organizations also plan recreational events for their members. Don’t overlook the value of taking time out with peers, whether that’s sharing a cultural meal, joining a group activity, or enjoying an occasional hangout when your schedule allows. These moments of connection can be just as important as academics in creating balance and fostering a sense of community. Alabama’s outdoors, from Lake Tuscaloosa to local parks, provides plenty of opportunities for walking, jogging, or simply enjoying nature. Together, these activities not only support your physical health but also help you feel grounded, connected, and at home during your time at UA.

Building Your Alabama Story

Graduate international students often juggle research, teaching, and coursework, making intentional self-care and community building especially important. Graduate organizations and faculty mentors can provide both support and guidance.

As you settle into life at UA, consider giving back, mentoring new students, volunteering during orientation events, or sharing your culture with the campus community. These contributions not only enrich your own journey but also strengthen the experience for future international students.

Moving Forward

Thriving as an international student at UA is not about leaving your culture behind; it’s about embracing it. It’s about integrating who you are with where you are, building resilience, and creating lasting connections. Every challenge you overcome and every friendship you build adds to the vibrant community that makes The University of Alabama stronger.

Your journey matters. Your well-being matters. And at UA, you have the support you need to succeed, not just academically, but personally.

Proposed Elimination of Duration-of-Status for F & J Visa Holders

• September 3rd, 2025
• in Capstone International Services

PROPOSED ELIMINATION OF DURATION-OF-STATUS FOR F & J VISA HOLDERS

On Thursday, August 28, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security published 90 FR 42070 a proposed rule to eliminate “duration of status.” Please note, this rule is not final and has not gone into effect and we do not recommend making decisions based solely on this proposed rule.

For more resources see: https://www.nafsa.org/dsproposal2025.

Below is a brief discussion of the rule making process and a high-level overview of the proposed rule:

Rule Making Process:

1. A proposed rule is published in the Federal Register and the public can comment (this is where we currently are). This period will end on September 29, 2025 for this rule.
2. DHS is required to review public comments and prepare a response to all substantive comments.
3. DHS sends either the same rule or the rule with changes to the OMB for review.
4. The OMB completes their review of the rule.
5. The final rule is published with an effective date.

Brief Overview of Proposed Rule

The new rule proposes to eliminate “duration of status” for individuals in F and J status. Currently, individuals in F and J statuses are admitted for “duration of status” which means they can remain in the United States if they are complying with their F or J regulations. There is not a fixed end date by which individuals in F or J status must depart the United States, rather this is tied to the individual’s Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 end-date.

The proposed rule would eliminate “duration of status” and replace it with a fixed end date of F or J status which is tied to their I-20 or DS-2019 end-date, not to exceed 4 years, plus a 30-day grace period. Individuals in F or J status would then need to file a formal extension of status request with USCIS in order to remain in the United States beyond their fixed end date.

Again, this is in the “Proposed Rule” stage. The public commentary period is open until September 29, 2025. All individuals can submit a comment regardless of immigration status, but please be aware that all submitted comments become public record. The final rule could have substantial changes or never take effect. This information is not law and is subject to change.

For the latest information on Regulatory Actions, please see the following resource: 

1. NAFSA: Association of International Educators – Executive and Regulatory Actions Page

Travel Bans Announced for 19 Countries

• June 5th, 2025
• in Capstone International Services

Travel Bans Announced for 19 Countries

Presidential Proclamation of June 4, 2025: Restricting The Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats establishes a “full” travel ban on 12 countries and a “partial” travel ban on 7 countries, effective 12:01 am eastern daylight time on June 9, 2025.

Read: The Proclamation on whitehouse.gov.

Resource: NAFSA: Association of International Educators

Effective date. The proclamation is effective at 12:01 am eastern daylight time on June 9, 2025.

Full ban countries – Twelve (12) countries are subject to a full ban that suspends “entry into the United States” of nationals of those countries as “immigrants and nonimmigrants.” The 12 “full ban” countries are: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

Partial ban countries – Seven (7) countries are subject to a partial ban that suspends “entry into the United States” as immigrants and of nonimmigrants “B-1, B‑2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas.” The 7 “partial ban” countries are:  Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.

Exceptions – The ban provisions are applicable only to nationals of the subject country who are outside the U.S. without a valid visa as of June 9, 2025.

Individuals who are inside the United States on June 9, 2025, or who are outside the United States on that date but have a visa that is valid as of June 9, 2025, would not be covered by the ban.

No revocation of visas issued before the proclamation effective date. The proclamation also states that “No immigrant or nonimmigrant visa issued before the applicable effective date of this proclamation shall be revoked pursuant to this proclamation.”

There are also a number of categorical exceptions, such as for lawful permanent residents, dual nationals who travel on passports issued by a non-ban country, asylees, refugees, diplomatic and international organization visas, and some other categories.

Case-by-case exceptions – Proclamation Sections 4(c) and 4(d) also provide for case-by-case exceptions by the Attorney General and Secretary of State.

Advising – International Students, Scholars, Faculty, and Staff from the above 19 impacted countries are strongly advised to consult with International Student & Scholar Services prior to any travel.  ISSS advising staff are available during drop-in advising 11 am – 3 pm, Monday through Thursday or by appointment.

Registration Requirement for Children and Minors – Effective April 11, 2025

• March 31st, 2025
• in Capstone International Services

New USCIS guidance published on February 25, 2025 and which will go into effect on April 11, 2025 will require young nonimmigrants who turn 14 while in the U.S. to “re-register” with USCIS within 30 days of their birthday, even if previously registered when entering the country. This may affect, for example, F-2, J-2, H-4 dependents and young F-1/J-1 students who entered before age 14. Most nonimmigrants who entered the U.S. at age 14+ are already automatically registered (as evidenced by their Form I-94) and DON’T need to re-register.

Read the USCIS page: Alien Registration Requirement (February 25, 2025, updated March 12, 2025); The USCIS guidance references statutes and regulations as well as Executive Order 14159 of January 20, 2025: Protecting The American People Against Invasion (see 90 FR 8443 (January 29, 2025)) as the legal basis for the agency action.

New requirement affects young people who turn 14 while staying in the United States:

• Those who turn 14 years old while in the U.S. must register again within 30 days of their 14th birthday; the USCIS Alien Registration Requirement page states that those who must register include: “Any alien, whether previously registered or not, who turns 14 years old in the United States, within 30 days after their 14th birthday.”
• This applies even for those who were properly registered when they first entered the country under age 14
• For example, this rule affects dependents with F-2, J-2, and H-4 status, as well as young students with F-1 and J-1 status (such as boarding school students) who entered the United States under age 14 and have remained in the U.S.; it also affects immigrants (green card holders) who acquired their lawful permanent residence under age 14 when they turn 14 years old

Regarding the 14-year-old requirement the USCIS Alien Registration Requirement page states: “This includes:

• “All aliens 14 years of age or older who were not registered and fingerprinted (if required) when applying for a visa to enter the United States and who remain in the United States for 30 days or longer. They must apply before the expiration of those 30 days;
• The parents or legal guardians of aliens less than 14 years of age: Parents or legal guardians must apply for the registration of aliens less than 14 years of age who have not been registered and remain in the United States for 30 days or longer, before the expiration of those 30 days; and
• Any alien, whether previously registered or not, who turns 14 years old in the United States, within 30 days after their 14th birthday.”

Individuals who have not be registered must also now register. In addition to the requirement for 14-year-olds to re-register, the USCIS Alien Registration Requirement page states: “Anyone who has not applied to the Department of State for a visa, been issued one of the documents designated as evidence of registration under 8 CFR 264.1(b), or has not submitted one of the forms designated at 8 CFR 264.1(a) and provided fingerprints (unless waived) is not registered. Aliens who have not registered include:

• Aliens present in the United States without inspection and admission or inspection and parole who have not otherwise registered (that is, aliens who crossed the border illegally);
• Canadian visitors who entered the United States at land ports of entry and were not issued evidence of registration; and
• Aliens who submitted one or more benefit requests to USCIS not listed in 8 CFR 264.1(a), including applications for deferred action or Temporary Protected Status who were not issued evidence of registration listed in 8 CFR 264.1(b).”

How to complete the re-registration. See the USCIS Alien Registration Requirement page for instructions on filing Form G-235R. Form G-325R must be filed online through a USCIS online account. It cannot be filed by mail or in person.

Where can I get advice on my or my family’s obligations to register or re-register? Individuals with questions about their and their family’s legal obligations to provide information to the U.S. government can contact an experienced Immigration Attorney or assistance through the Immigration Advocates Network.

Resources:

• NAFSA Page on “Re-Registration of Nonimmigrants Reaching Age 14″
• USCIS: Alien Registration Requirement

212(e) Skills List Updated

• December 9th, 2024
• in Capstone International Services

On December 9, 2024, the U.S. Department of State published an updated Exchange Visitors Skills List in the Federal Register.

The updated 2024 Skills List replaces the prior 2009 Skills List.

In developing the new Skills List, the Department of State used modern, data-driven criteria to assess which countries remain subject to the home residency requirement. Factors used to determine inclusion or exclusion from the Exchange Visitors Skills List include:

• Per Capita GDP
• Country Size
• Migration Trends

This Skills List change impacts J-1 and J-2 visa holders who may be subject to the 212(e) Two-Year Home Residency Requirement.

The Exchange Visitor Skills List identifies countries and fields of expertise deemed essential for a country’s development. Nationals of these countries who hold J-1 visas have historically been required to return home for at least two years after completing their programs.

The main change from the 2009 Skills List to the 2024 Skills List is that 37 countries which were previously included in the 2009 Exchange Visitors Skills List have been removed as of December 9, 2024.

A cross comparison table for the 2009 and 2024 Skills List Countries can be accessed here.  Please note that the table does not include the skills listed under each included country; reference the 2024 Skills List for specific skills included.

The list of countries which have been removed in the updated 2024 Exchange Visitors Skills list include:

• Albania
• Algeria
• Argentina
• Armenia
• Bahrain
• Bangladesh
• Bolivia
• Brazil
• Chile
• China
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Dominican Republic
• Gabon
• Georgia
• Guyana
• India
• Indonesia
• Kazakhstan
• Laos
• Malaysia
• Mauritius
• Montenegro
• Namibia
• Oman
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Romania
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Sri Lanka
• Thailand
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turkey
• United Arab Emirates
• Uruguay

IMMEDIATE IMPACTS – WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

J-1 and J-2 visa holders from the above list of removed countries will benefit significantly from this change:

• Starting December 9, 2024, the 212(e) two-year home residency requirement will no longer apply unless triggered by other factors, such as government funding or participation in medical training programs.
• Affected individuals will now be able to pursue other U.S. immigration options, such as H-1Bs or green cards, without the need for waivers.

The removal of the 212(e) requirement for those who were subject due to the prior EV Skills List has been removed retroactively.

Per the 12/09/2024 Revised Notice “Accordingly, J nonimmigrant exchange visitors who were subject to the two-year foreign residence requirement at the time of their admission or acquisition of J status based on designations in a previously published Skills List will no longer be subject to that requirement if their country is not designated in this revised list.”

Please note, those in J-1 or J-2 status whose country has been removed from the 2024 Exchange Visitors Skills may still be subject to the 212(e) 2-year home residency requirement if your program was government-funded or if you received medical education or training.

UA Wheelchair Tennis Player and the ELI

• November 13th, 2024
• in Capstone International Services English Language Institute

The top player on the Alabama wheelchair tennis team, Italian Francesco Felici, has spent this fall semester at the English Language Institute (ELI). While he was playing in junior international competitions, an Alabama coach contacted him with “an offer on the other side of the world, with a new language and everything new”. Francesco was a little hesitant at first, but his coach told him about the ELI and how helpful it could be before moving to a degree program.

In Spring 2024, he visited UA and “fell in love. The campus was so beautiful.” When his parents attended Francesco’s tennis tournament in November, “they understood why I came here. The campus is impressive by European standards. They saw I have a lot of opportunities”.

Francesco has now qualified for the NCAA Wheelchair Tennis Individual Championship to be held at Baylor University. Francesco will start a degree in Aerospace Engineering in Spring 2025. He concluded, “I’m enjoying the time here and hope to have a good result with my sport while learning new things in my classes.”

The Long and Safe Road: International Graduate Helps Others

• July 31st, 2024
• in Capstone International Services International Main

(Original Article: https://news.ua.edu/2024/07/the-long-and-safe-road-international-graduate-helps-others/)

Sunday Okafor likes to help others. Before he started studying for his doctorate in civil engineering at The University of Alabama, he knew he wanted to help make roads safer for everyone.

“I love to see a more efficient transportation system; I love to see how we can ensure the safety of people who are moving from one place to another,” Okafor said. “My dissertation was on the idea of instead of looking at the historical crashes to prevent future ones, why not try to do something to prevent the crashes from happening in the first place?”

A first-generation student from Nigeria with five siblings, Okafor came to UA in 2021 after finishing his master’s degree in civil engineering in the United Kingdom. In three short years at UA, he is set to cross the stage in August before heading to Arkansas to work as a project engineer for Garver, an engineering and consulting firm.

He began looking at UA because he had some friends who were already studying here, but he ultimately chose UA for the support and resources offered to international students.

“That understanding of the international community is very important to me,” Okafor said. “Being able to integrate easily and have people that can guide you, the support here, that was a big deal for me to make that decision to come to UA.”

He has presented his research and served on a panel at conferences such as the Transportation Research Board annual meeting and the ITE annual meeting. He also earned the honor of being named a 2024 ITE Young Leader to Follow.

On top of continuing his educational career at UA, Okafor served as the president of the African Students Association and vice president of the UA students’ chapter of the Institute of Transportation Engineers.

Okafor said he has honed his interpersonal skills through these conferences, as a Graduate School Ambassador, and as part of the first class of Graduate Ambassador Influencer Network, GAIN for short, Influencers — a group of students who promote the Graduate School on campus and through social media. He said the experiences he’s had at UA not only made him more confident but also more compassionate.

It is possible to do great things even if you are from a very humble background.

“Emotional intelligence and patience are some things that being an ambassador has helped me fully develop,” Okafor said. “It taught me to be patient with people and put myself in their shoes when I’m trying to respond. Being calm and well-receptive in terms of my responses, it helps those students.”

In his own time, Okafor extends his role as an influencer on X, formerly known as Twitter, and on LinkedIn. He gives advice on applying to graduate school in the United States, and he hosts informational webinars for those students. However, as he transitions to working in the field, he will likely not be on as much, and his content will shift to be more career-centered.

Though his time at the Capstone is coming to a close, Okafor is glad for his experience and the professional development opportunities he received at UA. He wants to encourage others to take a leap of faith and never let others impact their belief in themselves.

“It is possible to do great things even if you are from a very humble background,” Okafor said. “I never doubted what I could do. I always know that whatever I want to do, I can achieve it if I put my mind to it.”

ISSS Receives 2024 Sybil R. Todd Award for Excellence in Partnerships

• May 13th, 2024
• in Capstone International Services International Main

On May 9, 2024, International Student & Scholar Services was honored by the Division of Student Life with the Sybil R. Todd Award for Excellence in Partnerships.

The Todd Award is named for Dr. Sybil Todd, Vice President for Student Affairs from 1998 to 2003. This award is presented to individuals or organizations outside of the Division of Student Life who have demonstrated excellence in partnership and whose service to all our constituents is of an exceptional nature.

From Discouraged to Determined: Graduate Aims for the Stars

• May 1st, 2024
• in Capstone International Services International Main

From Discouraged to Determined: Graduate Aims for the Stars

April 29, 2024 Written by Grace Owens 

(Original article: https://news.ua.edu/2024/04/from-discouraged-to-determined-graduate-aims-for-the-stars/)

Growing up, Sindhu Belki was often discouraged from reaching for the stars.

Belki knew she wanted to pursue a career in aeronautics from a young age, but she realized she would have to leave her home country to achieve those dreams.

“I grew up in Qatar, and we don’t have a space industry. But ever since I was little, I always dreamed of being an astronaut,” she said.

Now, Belki is set to graduate this spring with her bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from The University of Alabama.

Although leaving her home country and her family seemed scary, Belki knew she had to in order to pursue her dreams. As soon as she stepped onto The University of Alabama’s campus, she knew this was the place where she was meant to be.

“Right from the beginning, it felt like everyone at The University of Alabama wanted to make a difference in my life and my career,” she said.

After she decided to commit to The Capstone due to the wealth of scholarships offered, she immediately felt at home and ready to pursue her passion.

It felt like everybody I talked to was heavily invested in my education and ensuring that I got to pursue my education. Throughout my time here, I have felt nothing but warmth and joy.

Sindhu Belki

Since arriving at The University of Alabama, Belki has garnered many accolades and scholarships. She received the Zed Factor Fellowship, which highlights underrepresented minorities in the aerospace industry, and the Brooke Owens Fellowship. She also served as the project manager of the Alabama Rocketry Association, UA’s student-run rocketry club. Under her guidance, the team placed 18th nationally. She also represented UA at the 74th International Aeronautical Congress, where she presented her first paper on small satellite launch services. At the conference, she was one of the youngest delegates ever, at just 21 years old.

During her time at UA, Belki was able to network with many people in the industry, making connections that helped her secure internships.

“A lot of [UA] alumni go on to work in big-name companies like NASA and SpaceX,” she said.

Belki hopes her accomplishments and actions will inspire young girls to pursue their passion.  This summer, she will be participating in a series of educational talks across Qatar in collaboration with universities and high schools across the country. While in Qatar, she hopes to highlight the space industry’s importance and continuous impact on the world and on our daily lives.

After graduation, Belki will begin a Master of Aerospace Engineering this fall at Georgia Tech — and credits The University of Alabama for helping her get there.

“Bama felt like the only place where I could be anything I wanted to be. I was able to define my identity here, and I will truly miss it,” Belki said.

International Students Association, 2024 Organization of The Year

• April 12th, 2024
• in Capstone International Services International Main

On, Tuesday, April 9, The International Students Association were awarded the prestigious, David L Phelps Organization of The Year Award for 2023-24.

The David L Phelps Organization of The Year Award is awarded to a student organization that best exemplifies excellence in student involvement at The University of Alabama.

This award recognizes the amazing efforts by the ISA and their Executive Board: Omid Reyhanigalangashi, Abiodun Wahab, Diweng Dafong, Kazi Hassan Shakib, Zumanah Kamal, Matilde Tricca, Rahul Mondal, and Sophia Xiong.

The Exemplo Capstone Awards is an annual recognition hosted by The Office of Student Involvement, University Programs (UP), Student Government, Student Center, and Center for Service and Leadership (CSL).

This collaborative event honors the contributions of individuals and campus organizations to service and leadership within and outside of the UA community.

These are the highest honors that can be bestowed upon student organizations and individuals in regard to campus leadership and service.