Immigration Paralegal

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionAscension Global Staffing & Executive Search, a Hispanic Women Owned & Operated National Recruiting Firm stands at the forefront of innovation and excellence. Led by a visionary team with a deep commitment to diversity and inclusion, our firm is dedicated to identifying and attracting top talent across the nation. With a unique blend of cultural insight and professional expertise, we pride ourselves on creating an environment that fosters success for both employers and candidates.Ascension Global Staffing & Executive Search is seeking an immigration paralegal for its client's Miami (Downtown), Washington DC or Nashville office.

This candidate will be reporting to the Immigration Manager, the Immigration Paralegal is responsible for preparing and filing of employment-based nonimmigrant and immigrant matters (H-1B, L-1, O-1 petitions, and consular applications, such as E-2s and DS-160s; Labor Certifications, I-140s, I-485s and family-based petitions).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Initiate cases based on instructions from attorney and/or client. Initial evaluation of new cases to determine eligibility of foreign national, any apparent status issues, and escalation of issues to attorneys as appropriate. Follow-up with client to obtain necessary information and documents to initiate case.
• Prepare immigration forms using appropriate database. Coordinate the appropriate immigration process, including obtaining necessary documents to support applications, which may include legal research. Coordinate with providers to obtain necessary translations of documents written in languages other than English or obtain evaluation of educational documents for U.S. equivalent. Prepare supporting documents to be filed with appropriate government agencies (DOL, Dept. of State, USCIS, etc.). Coordinate with providers to process visas as appropriate. In PERM applications, post ads, monitor run dates, document when ads are posted and removed. Send final documents for signature, prepare cover letters and file documents with appropriate agencies, with copies to foreign nationals and companies.
• Candidates must have strong verbal and written communication skills, excellent listening skills and the ability to develop cases; ability to prioritize work; good research skills; strong substantive understanding of legal requirements and supporting documentation for business immigration filings; commitment to excellent work product with strong attention to detail; a self-starter focused on efficiency; a strong sense of accountability for responsiveness and professional work product; adaptable to change and willing to meet client expectations for timely service. As an integral part of the immigration team, will promote and support teamwork. Must have experience maintaining an immigration database and using form preparation software such as Immigration INS Zoom, Tracker, LawLogix, etc.
• Assist attorneys in preparing responses to requests for evidence or audits by government agencies. Write invitation letters (global) or support letters (inbound and global) for petitions as appropriate. Heavy clients contact via telephone and email, including handling routine client inquiries under the supervision of immigration attorneys. Recognize issues that need to be escalated to attorneys (knowledge to recognize issues and exercise judgment regarding escalation). Case management to see that cases proceed through the system and conform with estimated processing times of government agencies. Manage cases for 1) non-immigrant, 2) PERM labor certification, 3) immigrant petition, and 4) adjustment of status. Run reports to monitor case status and expirations and contact clients to initiate extensions where appropriate. Monitor global cases to renew permits, track expirations, or repatriate clients.
• Update foreign national immigration information in database (INS Zoom) (change of address, renewed visas, passports, etc.) File maintenance within Firm standard. Record tasks in INTAPP.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Applicants must have 4+ years of corporate immigration experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and immigration case management software.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Excellent listening skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize to meet deadlines and adapt to change and to workload fluctuations in a fast-paced environment.
• Good research skills.
• Strong substantive understanding of legal requirements and supporting documentation for business immigration filings.
• Strong sense of accountability for responsiveness and professional work product.
• Will promote and support teamwork.

Education: A four-year college degree is preferred, with an advanced degree in a related field or a paralegal certificate is highly desirable.

Certification: Paralegal Certificate or higher.

---