Immigration Advisor

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

44 Celebration Dr, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14620

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

200211 International Services Office

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 108 H

Compensation Range:

$24.91 - $34.87

Responsibilities:

Under general direction of the Assistant Director of Student and Scholar Advising Services, with latitude for independent judgement, provides immigration sponsorship and related services for over 3,000 currently enrolled and recently graduated F-1 and J-1 international students, current and prospective J-1 scholars, and their dependent family members. Advises on a wide variety of complex immigration, academic, cultural, and personal issues. Working as a part of the ISO advising team offers coordinated support for international populations throughout the University and the academic units and departments that host them. Manages a large, diverse caseload throughout the student and scholar lifecycle, including pre-arrival, enrollment, employment, and up to 3 years beyond degree completion. Develops and delivers various workshop presentations, written and recorded online resources, and communication tools; assists with orientation events and other programs under direction of ISO’s Support & Engagement team. Represents the ISO and the University within various internal committees and externally to government agencies and off-campus organizations. Maintains a creative, helpful, and pragmatic approach to address individual case needs and broader trends within the University community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Immigration Regulatory Compliance

• Serve as F-1 Designated School Official (DSO) and J-1 Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) on behalf of University
• Negotiate routine to more complicated case resolution with officials of various US government agencies.
• Evaluate and process immigration sponsorship requests for new students and scholars.
• Determine eligibility for on- and off-campus employment and authorize or recommend qualified work permissions.
• Analyze relevant personal, program, and travel information to ensure UR compliance with required reporting.
• Determine appropriate visa category for visiting populations and coordinate with hosting & Global departments.
• Ensure institutional SEVIS compliance by adhering to government reporting requirements and deadlines.

Immigration Advising and Counseling

• Advise students and scholars on complex immigration requirements, permissions, benefits, applications, and procedures.
• Advocate and provide direction for various travel needs, including US visas, entry processing, and status issues.
• Counsel students and scholars facing various personal issues (social, academic, cultural, financial, health, etc.); Anticipate potential immigration consequences or opportunities and make appropriate resource referrals.
• Advise dependent spouses/partners and children on immigration permissions, responsibilities, resources, etc.
• Provide information and resources to other international students not requiring UR immigration sponsorship.

Institutional Policy and Practice

• Maintain a working knowledge of current academic and administrative policies specific to each University school/unit and provide accurate interpretation of immigration regulations within those multiple contexts.
• Develop, articulate, and adhere to internal guidelines for regulatory interpretations, office practices, etc.
• Train new UR administrators and departmental contacts on ISO requirements, forms, services, etc.
• Contribute to institutional reporting needs and accurate database maintenance for ISO-sponsored students and scholars.
• Cultivate a detailed and current knowledge of immigration regulations, government policy, and legal resources.

Program Development and Service Delivery

• Design and implement instructional workshops, online tools, and other immigration-related resources.
• Develop and deliver orientation program content and presentation materials for all University schools/units.
• Support mandatory Immigration Check-In processes and initial SEVIS registration for new arrivals, as needed.
• Assist with logistical and delivery needs for various transition support services scheduled for new students and scholars.
• Liaise and collaborate with campus offices and community groups to support UR international populations.
• Monitor and report on various participation metrics in services and events offered throughout the year.
• Assist Assistant Director in coordination of ongoing ISO activities, including other duties as assigned.

Communications and Outreach

• Develop and edit content for ISO newsletter, website, email blasts, social media, & other communication means.
• Prepare and update forms, handouts, publications, and data collection tools, as needed.
• Manage scheduled advising and other service hours, including those offered via virtual platforms and in-person.
• Respond to inquiries and service requests from University academic units and administrators.
• Attend professional conferences and training in the field of immigration and international education.

Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Master’s degree preferred
• At least 2 years of relevant experience required
• or equivalent combination of education and experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Communication, Organization, Independent & collaborative work required
• Knowledge of F/J regulations, SEVIS, familiarity with Sunapsis system preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Must be a US citizen or Permanent Resident (per Federal regulations) required

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.