Location

SAINT LOUIS, MO 63130

Scheduled Hours

37.5

Position Summary

Carries out activities to provide a successful program for internationals students and scholars at Washington University. Meets the unique needs of the international students and scholars and engages that population in the community both on and off campus. Provides advising, counseling and services to international students, scholars and family members (including, but not limited to, visa status, employment authorization, immigration, cross-cultural, financial, academic and personal issues, etc.). Ensures compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and guidelines pertaining to international students and scholars, from, but not limited to, regulations from the Departments of Homeland Security, Labor and State.

Job Description

• Provides individualized advising to international students, scholars, and dependents on a full range of immigration matters, including maintenance of status, enrollment and employment requirements, extensions, travel and reentry, program changes, and dependent issues.
• Interprets and applies regulations and guidance from the Departments of Homeland Security, State, and Labor, including SEVP, USCIS, DOS, and DOL policies, to complex academic and employment situations.
• Serves as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO); updates and maintains SEVIS records accurately and in a timely manner, ensuring institutional compliance and readiness for audits and site visits.
• Prepares and processes immigration requests and associated documentation for university sponsored F‑1, J‑1, H‑1B statuses, etc., including initial sponsorships, extensions, transfers, and changes of status. Determines appropriate visa classifications and benefit eligibility (e.g., CPT, OPT, STEM OPT, Academic Training, J extensions) based on individual circumstances, legal requirements, and institutional policies.
• Reviews, verifies, and evaluates supporting documentation; exercises sound professional judgment in identifying deficiencies, requesting additional evidence, and ensuring the integrity of institutional records.
• Maintains accurate, complete, and well‑organized electronic and/or paper files to support federal regulations, institutional reporting and compliance audits.
• Follows established office protocols for responding to inquiries, including using approved email templates and guidance to ensure clear, consistent communication and adherence to OISS and institutional policies.
• Adheres to office expectations and timelines for responding to email inquiries and immigration related requests, prioritizing cases based on regulatory deadlines and institutional needs.
• Recognizes that certain peak periods in the academic and immigration cycles may require limited evening and/or weekend work.
• Contributes to and participates in the ongoing development and delivery of OISS resources including, but not limited to, online courses, in-person orientations, webinars on a range of topics including immigration regulations, employment, authorization, travel guidance specific to visa type, and other topics specific to international students and scholars.
• Consults with OISS senior advisors and/or associate directors on complex issues affecting international students and scholars, including enrollment, leaves, academic standing, and employment.
• Stays current with changes in immigration regulations and best practices by participating in professional organizations (e.g., NAFSA), trainings, and conferences.
• Contributes to initiatives, process improvements, and policy development to increase efficiency, accuracy, and quality of service. Performs other duties as assigned in support of OISS and university goals.
• Works on special projects as assigned.

Working Conditions:

​Job Location/Working Conditions

• Normal office environment.

Physical Effort

• Typically sitting at a desk or table.

Equipment

• Office equipment.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required