Immigration Specialist - International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)

Emory University•Atlanta, GA

4h•Onsite

About The Position

JOB DESCRIPTION: Analyzes and applies federal immigration regulations and Emory University policies to advise international students, scholars, faculty, their dependents, administrators, and staff (including one walk-in advising assignment per week) regarding federal immigration and employment regulations, Emory resources, and related matters. Serves as a DSO and ARO for Emory and performs associated duties, including ensuring timely resolution of requests, alert management, and record upkeep in both IOM and SEVIS. Uses regulatory training and knowledge to independently analyze, interpret, and make decisions about student and scholar cases and provides appropriate advice based on analysis. Ensures excellent customer/client service for office visitors as well as accurate and timely responses to all inquiries. Is responsible for J-1 scholar check in, orientation, and government records validation processes. Analyzes and processes Travel Information Update requests for F and J visa holders. Assists with planning and coordination of other ISSS programs and events including OPT workshops, student orientations, on campus SSN appointments, International Coffee Hour, and others. Coordinates the immigration-document issuance process. Evaluates eligibility for I-20s and DS-2019s based on immigration law and analysis of individual student academic and financial circumstances. Manages communication and customer service to navigate stakeholders through a multi-stage process and ensure timely resolution. Assists ISSS staff with intake of employment-based visa requests (O-1, PR and IGA & Conrad 30) and compliance (LCA tracking, H-1B file deactivation, etc.). Manages express mailing shipments including petitions, applications, and communication to the US government. Processes incoming mail. Creates welcome packets for new exchange visitors. Orders office supplies. Assists with coordination of facility requests. Supports front desk coordinator as needed. Performs related responsibilities as required.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in student personnel administration, international studies or a related field and one year of related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Must be able to immediately serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) based on F/J federal law training, including government online training as evidenced by a certificate of passing, and meet government eligibility requirements.
Demonstrated ability to learn and understand ever-changing complex federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to foreign nationals and effectively communicate to others.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Proficiency with Sunapsis international office module and PeopleSoft preferred.
Excellent written, verbal, and non-verbal communication skills.
Must be able to work with a diverse population in a professional manner, maintaining high levels of customer service, cross-cultural sensitivity, and discretion in handling confidential information.
Experience living, studying, or working in a country different from one's own preferred.

Nice To Haves

Must be able to work in a professional manner, maintaining high levels of customer service, cross-cultural sensitivity, and discretion in handling confidential information.
Experience living, studying, or working in a country different from one's own preferred.
Effectively collaborate both within and across teams.
Synthesize information from multiple sources to provide accurate immigration advice.
Adapt to changing seasonal priorities to maintain excellent customer service and time-sensitive requests.
Handle sensitive information and maintain detailed and accurate files in accordance with governmental document retention requirements.

Responsibilities

Analyzes and applies federal immigration regulations and Emory University policies to advise international students, scholars, faculty, their dependents, administrators, and staff regarding federal immigration and employment regulations, Emory resources, and related matters.
Serves as a DSO and ARO for Emory and performs associated duties, including ensuring timely resolution of requests, alert management, and record upkeep in both IOM and SEVIS.
Uses regulatory training and knowledge to independently analyze, interpret, and make decisions about student and scholar cases and provides appropriate advice based on analysis.
Ensures excellent customer/client service for office visitors as well as accurate and timely responses to all inquiries.
Is responsible for J-1 scholar check in, orientation, and government records validation processes.
Analyzes and processes Travel Information Update requests for F and J visa holders.
Assists with planning and coordination of other ISSS programs and events including OPT workshops, student orientations, on campus SSN appointments, International Coffee Hour, and others.
Coordinates the immigration-document issuance process.
Evaluates eligibility for I-20s and DS-2019s based on immigration law and analysis of individual student academic and financial circumstances.
Manages communication and customer service to navigate stakeholders through a multi-stage process and ensure timely resolution.
Assists ISSS staff with intake of employment-based visa requests (O-1, PR and IGA & Conrad 30) and compliance (LCA tracking, H-1B file deactivation, etc.).
Manages express mailing shipments including petitions, applications, and communication to the US government. Processes incoming mail.
Creates welcome packets for new exchange visitors.
Orders office supplies.
Assists with coordination of facility requests.
Supports front desk coordinator as needed.
Performs related responsibilities as required.