International Student Adviser

Requisition no: 527819Work Type: Full TimeLocation: Campus|MorningsideSchool/Department: nullCategories: Stdnt Affairs/Educational AdmnJob Type: Officer of AdministrationBargaining Unit:Regular/Temporary: RegularEnd Date if Temporary:Hours Per Week: 35Salary Range: Commensurate with experiencePosition SummaryThe International Student Adviser acts as appropriate to issue required US government documents for international students to obtain student visas, extend the students stay, apply for employment authorization, travel abroad, reenter the US, and other benefits as appropriate; consults with SEVIS Help Desk and US Custom & Immigration Services to resolve processing or status problems. The incumbent will act as Designated School Official (DSO) in issuing required US government documents for international students to obtain appropriate F-1 visas; and consult with the Associate Director on current federal regulations, policies, the Code of Federal Regulations, secondary references, and more complex immigration cases. The incumbent advises and provides guidance to F-1 students related to their opportunities, rights, and responsibilities on immigration regulations and university policies, including maintaining their legal status, extensions of stay, travel, transfers, and off-campus employment; evaluates immigration documents and academic records to determine students eligibility for off-campus employment (Curricular Practical Training, Pre/Post-Completion Optional Practical Training and STEM extension of OPT); prepares and issues all the necessary immigration documents needed for off-campus employment; serve as a University liaison and works directly with the State Department, US Department of Homeland Security, consular officers, and immigration officials on matters relating to non-immigrant foreign students as needed.The International Student Adviser assists in creating applications, forms and other types of communication materials related to various immigration procedures, and helps in streamlining and improving ISSO processes and services. The incumbent makes recommendations for process improvements related to non-immigrant matters such as work authorization; maintains and enhances in-depth knowledge of US immigration and school policies as they affect international students; evaluates complex regulations and applies them to individual cases; presents at various school-specific orientations and immigration workshops, on topics such as travel, maintaining status and employment authorization; refers students to the appropriate campus and community resources as needed, including immigration attorneys, tax professionals, admissions officers, Student Health Services, housing, CUIT, banking, cell phones, Student Financial Services, and Career Center; responds to general and specific questions, inquiries, and correspondence from incoming and current international students and their academic departments in-person, in group settings, and via phone and emails. Acts as a liaison to assigned schools within the University to inform administrative staff of regulatory and office policy updates. The incumbent complies with federal SEVIS reporting and record keeping requirements including address updates; ensures regulatory information is up to date on theISSO website; cultivates a professional presence on campus and in the field through local and national partnerships and associations; and participates in regional and national international education conferences and meetings.ResponsibilitiesType responsibilitiesMinimum QualificationsBachelor''s degree in Liberal Arts, Management, Communications, or Education and/or equivalent experience.Minimum 2 years relevant immigration regulation, advisement, and compliance experienceor equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge of F-1 student immigration regulations,and SEVIS; ability to communicate effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds; excellentorganizational, interpersonal, and written and oral communication skills; strong computer literacy.Preferred QualificationsMaster''s degree in cross-cultural communication, counseling, area or cultural studies, foreignlanguage, international education, or TESOL.3 years administering and advising federal F-1 immigration regulations as DSO in a higher education setting. Experience teaching/training/presenting.Degree in JD or paralegal experiences. At least 2 years of experience in interpreting laws, rulings, and regulations.Fluency in at least one foreign language; experience living abroad; familiarity with Microsoft Office and Web-based pletion of NAFSA F-1 Professional Development Programs.Other RequirementsNB: U.S. government regulations require that Designated School Officials Alternate Responsible Officers be U.S. citizens or LegalPermanent Residents.Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / VeteranColumbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.

Created: 2025-11-15