ATTENTION: Please refer to the Immigration Updates Page for the latest information impacting International Students.
ATTENTION: ISSS has built a standalone D/S Rule Page to address the Final Rule Ending D/S and Restricting Academic Mobility. Please see this page for the latest information about the new rules for F and J-visa holders that will go into effect on September 15, 2026.
International Student Orientation will be held in-person for Fall 2026
Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Time: 1 – 5 PM
Location: 125 ten Hoor Hall (Campus Map, Google Maps)
1. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT FIRST STEPS
The International Student Orientation Welcome and First Steps session is available on YouTube and as an interative Video on Panopto. Also, you can download the slides (pdf) for future reference.
- Review the First Steps section.
- Review the Cultural Adjustment section.
- Review the Healthcare Resources section.
- Review the Academic Success section.
- Review the Campus Life Resources section.
- Review the Immigration Section Video.
- Complete Immigration Check-in:
- Follow the instructions to update your address in MyBama, and
- Upload your immigration documents to complete the Immigration Check-in.
- Register and attend any Other Orientations you may need to complete.
The mandatory Immigration Check-in is required for students to activate their F-1 or J-1 status, and it must be completed by the end of the first week of classes.
Once completed, ISSS will process the validation of your immigration record with Homeland Security’s Student Exchange Visitor Program and also be able to process any requested verifications for I-9 processing, Alabama Credit Union accounts, Driver’s Licenses, and Social Security Number applications.
2. CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT
It can be challenging to adjust to studying and living in a new culture. In this section, we will discuss cultural adjustment, tips for overcoming culture shock, understanding American culture, and interpersonal relationships.
The International Student Orientation: Cultural Adjustment, American Culture, & Relationships session is available on YouTube and as an interative Video on Panopto. Also, you can download the slides (pdf) for future reference.
This orientation presentation includes Blue Seat Studios‘ “Tea Consent”.
3. UNDERSTANDING THE U.S. HEALTHCARE SYSTEM, INSURANCE, MENTAL HEALTH, AND SUBSTANCE USE
The International Student Orientation: Health Care, Insurance, Mental Health, and Substance Use session is available on YouTube and as an interactive Video on Panopto. Also, you can download the slides (pdf) for future reference.
Remember, health insurance is mandatory for all international students and their dependents on F or J visas. For more details please see our full page on insurance and medical care at https://international.ua.edu/isss/insurance-medical-care/.
This orientation presentation includes the following videos provided by International Student Insurance (Vimeo ; YouTube):
4. ACADEMIC SUCCESS
Adapting to the academic culture at a new institution can be challenging. In this session, we will cover tips on how to navigate academics as well as several important habits of successful students.
The International Student Orientation: How to Be Successful at UA Academic Culture session is available on YouTube and as an interactive Video on Panopto. Also, you can download the slides (pdf) for future reference.
5. CAMPUS LIFE
There are a lot of resources available to you. We have created a short video that covers campus life at UA an life in Tuscaloosa.
The International Student Orientation: Campus Life session is available on YouTube and as an interactive Video on Panopto. Also, you can download the slides (pdf) for future reference.
6. UNDERSTANDING YOUR IMMIGRATION STATUS
Welcome to the immigration section of the orientation for international students.
Please watch the video below, which covers the following:
- Understanding your visa documents
- Enrollment requirements
- Updating your Address
- Updating your I-20/DS-2019
- F-2 and J-2 Dependents
- Student Employment – On-Campus Work, CPT, OPT, and Academic Training
- Travel – Domestically and Internationally
- Grace Period
The International Student Orientation: Understanding Your Immigration Status session is available on YouTube and as an interactive Video on Panopto. Also, you can download the slides (pdf) for future reference.
7. UPDATING YOUR ADDRESS AND COMPLETING IMMIGRATION CHECK-IN
If you have any difficulty accessing the Panopto video above, the International Student Orientation: Completing Immigration Check-in session is available on YouTube and as an interactive Video on Panopto. Also, you can download the slides (pdf) for future reference.
- Contact Information Sheet;
- Acknowledgement of Responsibility Form;
- Your passport main information page;
- Your F-1 Visa or J-1 Visa;
- Your F-1 I-20 (with your student signature at the bottom of page 1) or J-1 DS-2019 (with your signature in the exchange visitor certification section at the bottom of page 1) – make sure you sign your I/20 or DS-2019 prior to upload;
- I-94 Arrival/Departure Record (note: only accessible after arrival to the U.S.); and
- If you have a spouse or children with you, please also scan their documents (passport, visa, F-2 I-20/J-2 DS-2019, and I94) for check-in.
After you have reviewed the Immigration Information section, completed the immigration quiz, and submitted the above documents, ISSS will process the validation of your immigration record with Homeland Security’s Student Exchange Visitor Program and also be able to process any requested verifications for I-9 processing, Alabama Credit Union accounts, Driver’s Licenses, and Social Security Number applications.
8. OTHER ORIENTATIONS
BAMA BOUND SESSION (UNDERGRADUATE ORIENTATION)
Bama Bound is for all first-year and transfer undergraduate students at UA – both American and international students must attend.
All new and transfer undergraduate international students must register and attend a Bama Bound Orientation.
GRADUATE ORIENTATION AND WELCOME (GROW)
GROW is designed to prepare incoming graduate students with the necessary information to make their time at UA a success. In addition, it serves to supplement your departmental orientation experience and give you a well-rounded view of the UA experience through the graduate student lens.
WORKSHOP FOR NEW GRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANTS
Held in the Fall Semester only. This workshop is required for all new Graduate Teaching Assistants. New GTAs should contact the Graduate School about participation in the GTA Workshop.