Immigration Specialist - International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)

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Description

International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) at Emory University is seeking an Immigration Specialist. The position will primarily focus on determining eligibility and issuing immigration documents (I-20s and DS-2019s) for admitted international students, as well as monitoring and maintaining the Student and Exchange visitor Information System (SEVIS) and University records. The Immigration Specialist will also coordinate pre-arrival communication and travel signature services and events for Emory's international students and scholars.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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