Senior Immigration Advisor
University of North Texas

Title: Senior Immigration Advisor

Employee Classification: Senior Immigration Advisor

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Provost

SubDivision-Department: UNT-International Affairs

Department: UNT-International Affairs-Gen-110300

Job Location: Denton

Salary: 54900.00

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible

About Us - Values Overview:

Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year. We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an inclusive environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team. Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu.

Department Summary

International Affairs is a guide and champion for campus internationalization at the University of North Texas. It is our mission to support the university's global endeavors and international initiatives. This position will be a part of the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) team. The ISSS Office at the University of North Texas provides compassionate immigration advice and support to UNT's more than 13,000 international students and scholars, and alumni.

Position Overview

The Senior Immigration Advisor advises international students and employees on immigration status, employment, and academic matters affecting immigration. This role involves interpreting and complying with immigration regulations, updating procedures and guidelines for visa procurement, and processing immigration documentation using Sunapsis and SEVIS while liaising with immigration bureaus, consulates, and other offices.

The advisor collaborates with various departments, legal staff, and government offices to file applications and ensure accurate information is shared while also conducting required reporting in SEVIS and Sunapsis. Additionally, the advisor develops workshops and presentations for staff, faculty, and new or continuing international students.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in related field and two years of experience and thorough understanding of assigned area (i.e. F-1, J-1, or employment-based visa types) or related experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Good understanding of the immigration regulation(s) associated with assigned area.
• Good understanding of the immigration processes for institutions of higher education.
• Must meet federal requirements to serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) and/or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Working knowledge of business practices and procedures.
• Ability to organize and be detail oriented.
• Ability to multi-task and possess good time management skills and work under stress.
• Ability to work in an open office area with much activity

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in related field and two years of experience and thorough understanding of assigned area (i.e. F-1, J-1, or employment-based visa types) or related experience, or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Required License/Registration/Certifications

Must meet the criteria set by the Department of Homeland Security to become a Designated School Official.

https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/schools/get-started/designated-school-official

Job Duties:

Advising:

• Provide accurate and compassionate advising for F-1 international students including giving information and advice to students regarding maintenance of their status, change of status, employment opportunities, etc. It also includes giving information to departments and the University Community and managing crises which vary in severity.

Documentation:

• Provide documentation as required for international students effectively and accurately. This includes issuing I-20s and letters as well as helping to complete student requests, UNT document processing and applications to USCIS such as OPT, Change of Status, and reinstatement.

Compliance:

• Conduct reporting as required by immigration regulations for F-1 students. This includes semesterly SEVIS registration and intermittent updates such as program changes, including change of major, change of level, program extensions and completion dates.

Database Maintenance:

• Use university databases such as Sunapsis and EIS to maintain accurate and confidential student records, batch to SEVIS, and keep data up to date.

Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm

Driving University Vehicle:

Yes

Security Sensitive:

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions:

Benefits:

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement:

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit -- and takes actions to prevent -- discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence) and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application and admission processes, educational programs and activities, facilities and employment practices. The University of North Texas System immediately investigates complaints of discrimination and takes remedial action when appropriate. The University of North Texas System also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist or participate in an investigative proceeding or hearing.

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