International Student Immigration Advisor
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Main Campus, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
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Opening at: Jul 24 2024 at 09:00 CDT
VP Area: Enrollment Services
Department: Admissions
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Benefit Eligibility: Yes
The International Student Advisor provides a range of support to the university's international student population as well as departments and academic units including guidance on academic, immigration, personal issues, and cultural adjustment to university life in the United States. The Advisor also serves as the SEVIS Designated School Official (DSO) ensuring compliance with USCIS and SEVIS regulations, assisting with mandatory immigration processes, staying current with regulatory updates.
The Advisor reports to the Director of International Admissions and is a member of the Admissions department within the division of Enrollment Management.
- A minimum of one year of experience sufficient to demonstrate the competencies required to perform the role is required which may include student advising, student success, admissions, international admissions, DEIB, or other related experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Two or more years of directly related experience. Knowledge of immigration regulations and visa processes related to international students is a plus.
- Student Support and Advising:
- Provide one-on-one advising to international students on a wide range of issues including immigration regulations, academic policies, cultural adjustment, and personal concerns.
- Assist students with visa applications, extensions, and other immigration-related paperwork in compliance with federal regulations.
- Conduct orientations and workshops as well as online video tools and other immigration related resources to help international students acclimate to campus life and understand university resources.
- Advise/council international populations throughout the university, and the academic units and departments that host them on a wide variety of immigration, cultural, and personal issues.
- Compliance and Reporting:
- Serve as the university’s DSO to Issue, track, update, report, and maintain immigration records under the Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS)
- Interprets, processes, and signs US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and US Department of State forms for school transfers, registration, change of status, reinstatement, program extension, employment, curricular practical training, travel, re-entry, and other immigration issues.
- Initiates and maintains communication with the SEVIS Help Desk to resolve any issues that impact SEVIS records.
- Maintain students immigration record in SEVIS who are on Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT.
- Assist the Principle Designated School Official (PDSO) with school immigration compliance with USCIS and SEVIS.
- Support mandatory immigration check-in processes and initial SEVIS registration for new arrivals, as needed.
- Ensure the university’s compliance with SEVIS and other federal regulations pertaining to international students.
- Maintain accurate records of international students and prepare required reports for government agencies.
- Stay current with changes in immigration laws and policies that impact international students including staying current with regulatory and legislative updates affecting F-1 as well as communication materials provided to students and university stakeholders.
- Program Development and Management:
- Develop and implement programs and services that promote the success and well-being of international students.
- Coordinate events and activities that foster cultural exchange and integration within the university community.
- Collaborate with other campus departments to ensure comprehensive support for international students.
- Collaboration and Outreach:
- Serve as a liaison between international students and university departments, including admissions, academic advising, housing, and student services.
- Build relationships with external organizations and resources that support international students.
- Advocate for international students within the university community to enhance their academic and social experience.
- Provide support for International Admissions special projects, initiatives, events, and other activities as assigned. -
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Proficiency in admissions software (e.g., Slate, Banner) and Microsoft Office Suite. Experience with data management and reporting tools.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
- Proficiency in a second language preferred.
- Experience with program development and event planning.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail in processing and handling data.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively within a team and across departments.
- Ability to identify issues and implement solutions in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Empathy, patience, and cultural sensitivity.
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
- Ability to quickly acquire knowledge of immigration regulations and visa processes related to international students.
- Proficiency in a second language is a plus.
