Compensation for Lecture or Short-Term Consultation

A J-1 exchange visitor in the Professor or Research Scholar category can accept compensation for one-off lecture opportunities at institutions other than UAB as long as the opportunity is:

1. directly related to the objective of the exchange visitor’s program,
2. incidental to the exchange visitor’s primary program activities,
3. not going to delay the completion of the visitor’s program at UAB, AND
4. is documented in SEVIS by the ISSS office prior to the activity taking place.

The exchange visitor will be considered an independent contractor for I-9 purposes.

To take advantage of a one-time lecture opportunity, please book an appointment with an ISSS J-1 Advisor and bring the following documentation:

• Address of the location where you will lecture
• Letter from the host institution stating the terms of the opportunity, including the duration, number of hours, field or subject, amount of compensation, and description of the activity
• Letter from your UAB department chair recommending the opportunity and stating how it will enhance your program at UAB.

Template letters are provided here for your convenience. A J-1 Advisor will review the documentation with you during the scheduled interview, determine whether the activity is warranted, and update your SEVIS record accordingly. If you do not follow the above pre-approval process, ISSS will be unable to write a letter on your behalf or otherwise facilitate any payment to you from the host institution.