Wednesday, January 19th

is the LAST DAY

to ADD/DROP a course

Spring 2022 Enrollment Guidance

Based on The University of Alabama’s announced plan to return to full-time, in-person instruction under normal operations in the Fall 2021 Semester, all F-1 and J-1 students returned to regular in-person enrollment under standard F-1 and J-1 guidance beginning in the Fall 2021 Semester as outlined on our Full-Time Enrollment Page.

Due to the change back to pre-COVID enrollment requirements, ISSS requires all international students on F-1 and J-1 student visas to follow the standard immigration regulations when enrolling as outlined on our Full-Time Enrollment Page.

Generally speaking, F-1 and J-1 students are required to maintain a full-time course load during fall and spring semesters. Full-time enrollment generally means graduate students must enroll for at least 9 credits and undergraduate students must enroll for at least 12 credits every semester.

For F-1 visa holders, only 1 online class (i.e. 3 credit hours) per semester may count towards a “full course of study.”  For example, an undergraduate student is required to register for 12 credits per semester to maintain full-time status. Of the 12 required hours only 3 credit hours may be online. After an F-1 student has met the full-time requirement, any additional hours above the 12 required hours may be either regular campus classes or online.

J-1 student visa holders cannot count any online classes toward their full-time enrollment requirements.  For example, an undergraduate student on a J-1 student visa must enroll the first 12 credit hours in main campus, in-person courses, but after meeting the full-time requirement via main campus courses, they may enroll in additional hours above the full-time requirement in on-line courses.

Tax Season's Reminders

BE AWARE OF SCAMS
First, be aware of tax scams!  There are a large number of tax and Social Security scams this time of year which target everyone – international and domestic.  Be aware that the IRS and other government agencies will not call you or email you – official notifications are always sent by U.S. Postal Mail.
 
Please see our page here for scam guidance and resources: http://international.ua.edu/isss/life-in-tuscaloosa/scams/.
 
TAX FILING ASSISTANCE AT UA
We know many of you may have tax filing questions.  Unfortunately, International Student & Scholar Services cannot answer tax questions or help students or scholars with tax filings.
 
However, you can find some general information on our website – http://international.ua.edu/isss/ssn-itin-taxes/#taxes. 
 
And the UA Tax Office provides support for filing taxes – http://taxoffice.ua.edu/year-end-tax-filing-requirements/.
 
Tax related questions can be directed to:
UA InternationalTax Office
1015 Procurement Services Building
1500 Flint River Drive
Box 870130
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0136
Phone: (205) 348-8865
Fax: (205) 348-7282
Email: internationaltax@ua.edu
Website: http://taxoffice.ua.edu/international-tax/
Tax Office Directory
Appointment Scheduler
 
ACCESSING W-2s
If you worked for UA between January 1 and December 31, 2021 (not Bama Dining), and you are trying to access your W-2 Tax Forms, you can access these electronically in MyBama under the Employee tab: https://hr.ua.edu/elect-to-receive-w2-electronically and http://hr.ua.edu/wp-content/uploads/Payroll/Electronic-W-2-Instructions-and-Information.pdf.
 
Note: If you worked on-campus for a different employer, such as Bama Dining/Aramark, you will need to work with that employer to receive your W-2 tax form.
 
ACCESSING 1098-T TUITION TAX STATEMENT
Students can access the 1098-T Tuition Tax Statement for any tuition paid between January 1 and December 31, 2021 in MyBama under the Student tab in the Statements section.  More information about this can be found on the Student Accounts FAQ Page: https://studentaccounts.ua.edu/frequently-asked-questions/
 
ACCESSING INSURANCE IRS FORM 1095-B
If you were enrolled in the University’s UHCSR insurance plan for any time between January 1 and December 31, 2021 and you need a Form 1095-B, you can access this online.  Please see this page for more information: https://www.uhcsr.com/IRS-Form-1095B.
 
ONLINE TAX SOFTWARE
International students and scholars should not use Turbo Tax, HR Block, TaxSlayer, 1040.com or other similar tax preparation software that you see advertised on the web to file your federal taxes. These services are intended for U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents and do not utilize the correct federal tax forms for non-residents.
 
If you are looking for software to assist you with tax filing, you may want to consider one of the following companies which provide tax preparation specialized for international students and scholars:

• Sprintax: https://www.sprintax.com/
• Glacier Tax Prep: https://www.glaciertax.com/
• InternationalStudent.com: https://www.internationalstudent.com/tax/form/ (for 8843 Forms only)

Multi-Cultural Coffee Hour
Friday, January 21st 11:30 am to 1 pm
 Intercultural Diversity Center (The University of Alabama Student Center - Room 2100)

For more information about Coffee hour please visit our website at: http://international.ua.edu/programs-activities/coffee_hour/ 

Success & Growth in the U.S. Workshop

In coordination with The Counseling Center and International Student & Scholar Services, Success and Growth in the U.S. is a workshop for international students led by Dr. Nahree Doh, Associate Director of Clinical and Outreach Services at the Counseling Center.

Success and Growth in the U.S. is a semester long workshop designed to facilitate international students’ adjustment, academic success and personal growth.  The program is run as a closed group of 8 members.

Members have opportunities to explore and share experiences, discuss different topics, engage in various group activities, and learn useful strategies.

This program will continue into future academic semesters.

Applicants must submit an application form at the beginning of the semester to join the group.  Questions about the program can be directed to international@ua.edu; please include “Dr. Doh” in the subject line.

http://international.ua.edu/programs-activities/success-and-growth-in-the-u-s/