International Student and Scholar Advisor - ARO & DSO

International Student and Scholar Advisor is a position in the International Studies Office (ISO). This position is part of a team which advises the university community on student and scholar visa categories and policy related to UVA non-immigrant populations. The advisor will serve as an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) and a Designated School Official (DSO) primarily supporting the University's J exchange visitor program. The position is responsible for ensuring compliance with all requirements pertaining to international students, scholars, and their dependents at UVA as set forth by the Department of Homeland Security, Department of State, Social Security Administration, and other government agencies. The International Student & Scholar Advisor reports to the Assistant Director of the International Students & Scholar Program and works in close collaboration with a team of advisors in support of UVA's international undergraduate, graduate and professional students and the University's J-1 scholars.  

Advises international students (undergraduate, graduate, and professional) and exchange visitors on all matters pertaining to their immigration status, related concerns, administrative and cultural issues. Specifically, advise students and exchange visitors, individually and in groups on: 

• J and F immigration regulations. 

• Issues of cultural adaptation and culture shock. 

• Laws pertaining to employment eligibility (Academic Training) and employment verification (form I-9), Social Security Numbers, driver's licenses and related issues. 

• Other individual concerns related to their status as an international exchange visitor at UVA. 

Serve as an Alternate Responsible Officer & Designated School Official capable of advising students on complex J-1 and F-1 immigration scenarios. 

• Serve as primary advisor to all J-1 students (non-degree, degree, and student intern) 

• Support the University's visiting scholar community - including J-1 (Professor, Research Scholar, Short-Term Scholar) and their dependents. 

• Support the University’s international student community – including F-1 undergraduate and graduate students and their dependents. 

• Process immigration benefits for international students and exchange visitors. 

• Generate immigration documentation (DS-2019 and I-20 forms) for new and continuing international students/exchange visitors. 

• Work with Education Abroad Advisors on maintaining balances with various exchange programs. 

• Provide advising during assigned advising hours, scheduled appointments, and through timely response to correspondence from students, departments, and exchange partners. 

• Manage assigned reports and alerts in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). 

• Remain abreast of regulatory changes and development as they affect international students and scholars. 

Participate in Formal & Informal Outreach for the International Studies Office  

• Advise university departments seeking to invite exchange visitors. 

• Programming on immigration benefits, cultural adjustment, and related issues for students and exchange visitors. 

• Provide regulatory, procedural and cultural training for University faculty and staff. 

• Consult with outside agency representatives sponsoring agencies, government officials, employers of students--on behalf of the students. 

Engage in Departmental Service 

• Serve on assigned ISO committees, working groups and task forces. 

• Prepare and update information materials. 

• Represent the ISO as assigned. 

Perform other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Requirements 

Education: Bachelor's Degree required, Master's Degree preferred. Bachelor's or Master's degree in a field related to international education preferred. 

Experience: 

• Three years of related experience and familiarity with international education in general. 

• Knowledge of U.S. Immigration laws and regulations pertaining to F and J students and their dependents. 

• Knowledge of procedures for employment, change of visa status, reinstatement and other complex F and J authorizations and processes. 

• Must be U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident to meet regulatory requirements as a Designated School Official and Alternate Responsible Officer. 

• Must be willing to travel to participate in professional meetings and conferences. 

• Ability to multitask and work independently. 

• Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with diverse groups an