International Student and Scholar Visa Advisor

Job Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under general direction, the International Student and Scholar Visa Advisor advises and assists the Case Western Reserve international population, primarily in F, J, and H visa status, regarding all non-immigrant visa compliance issues. The visa advisor will assist and guide prospective and current international students, scholars, faculty, and staff through the visa application process, ensuring compliance with immigration laws and regulations. The advisor will provide valuable support and advice to enrolled students, helping them navigate the complexities of obtaining a student visa and ensuring a smooth transition to their desired educational institution. The International Student and Scholar Visa Advisor is responsible for advising international populations on complex immigration regulations as well as academic, employment, personal, financial, social, and cross-cultural concerns.

The International Student and Scholar Visa Advisor must utilize current knowledge of federal, state, local and university regulations that affect international students, scholars, employees, faculty and their dependents, and must maintain unique training and knowledge related to United States immigration regulations and will serve as a designated school official (DSO) and alternative responsible officer (ARO) for the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Student Support and Visa Services (60%)

* Student Visa Guidance: Coordinate with academic departments and admissions offices to obtain applications for newly admitted international students. Provide accurate and up-to-date information on visa requirements, application procedures, and necessary documentation to international students. Assist students in understanding the immigration regulations and help them complete visa application forms correctly. Be available, responsive, and able to exercise discretion in the event of a crisis.
* Advising Services: Offer personalized advice to international students on visa options, eligibility criteria, and any specific requirements related to their chosen destination country or educational institution. Address students' queries and concerns regarding visa processes, deadlines and related matters, and complex immigration-related issues such as visa issuance or adjustments, travel and re-entry to the United States, employment eligibility, change of immigration status, course-load requirements, and transfers into/from Case Western Reserve University, as well as academic, personal, financial, social, and cross-cultural concerns. Serve as an academic advisor for students participating in curricular practical training (CPT), optional practical training (OPT), and OPT STEM extension.
* Document Verification: Review and verify students' visa application documents to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with immigration guidelines. Advise students on any missing or additional documents needed for their visa application. Evaluate applications independently to approve the preparation and issuance of government documents (I-20 and DS-2019 Forms) for visa eligibility for students and scholars, as well as their dependents, and to ensure the university's compliance with all federal immigration regulations.
* Application Support: Assist students in preparing their visa application packages, including necessary supporting documents, financial statements, and sponsorship letters. Provide guidance on scheduling visa interviews, medical examinations, and other required procedures.
* Communication and Coordination: Liaise with immigration authorities, educational institutions, and other relevant stakeholders on behalf of students to resolve visa-related issues or concerns. Maintain clear and prompt communication channels with students throughout the visa application process. Use independent judgment when making referrals to other individuals/offices on campus to resolve problems.
* Recordkeeping and Reporting: Maintain accurate and organized records of students' visa applications, approvals, rejections, and any visa-related correspondence. Generate reports and updates on visa application statuses as required by the VISA Office, university administration, and government agencies as directed by the director.
* Compliance and Regulations: Stay updated with the latest immigration policies, regulations, and changes affecting international students. Maintain knowledge of visa restrictions, work limitations, and conditions of stay for students in the destination country.
* Serve as a designated school official (DSO) and alternate responsible officer (ARO) for Case Western Reserve University. This role requires U.S. government adjudication and training and gives the advisor the independent authority to advise international students on a case-by-case basis on their legal immigration status in the United States. Stay current regarding knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations as they affect international students through specific and ongoing training and to trends in higher education though involvement with professional organizations.

Employment Visa Services (30%)

* Visa Guidance: Develop and maintain a clear understanding of all university programs to hire and retain non-US workers. Advise schools, hiring departments, and supervisors on potential visa options for incoming faculty, staff, and scholars. Respond to routine immigration inquiries from departments and supervisors. Provide accurate and up-to-date information on visa requirements, application procedures, and necessary documentation.
* Advising Services: Evaluate and advise nonimmigrants on immigration-related matters. Provide expertise and counsel to nonimmigrant and immigrant workers with compliance-related issues.
* Visitor Exchange Program: Provide guidance, support, and assistance to individuals, departments, and supervisors involved in the J-1 visa process. Administer and manage J-1 visa programs, ensuring compliance with the regulations set by the Department of State. Facilitate the application process, monitor program activities, and maintain program records. Assist applicants in gathering the necessary documentation, such as application forms, letters of support, and program proposals. Evaluate applications independently assess the eligibility of individuals to participate in J-1 visa programs, including review applications, evaluate qualifications, determine specific J-1 visa category, and verify that the proposed activities align. Prepare government documents (DS-2019 Forms). Support J-1 visa participants throughout their program; answer questions, address concerns, and offer advice on matters related to visa regulations, travel, housing, healthcare, and cultural adjustment. Serve as a point of contact between designated sponsors, government agencies, and program participants. Facilitate program oversight, monitor participants' progress, and resolve any issues that may arise during the program.
* Visa Preparation: Administer the university's non-immigrant worker program. Communicate with foreign nationals, departments, and supervisors regarding data collection and analysis, petition preparation, and supporting documentation. Analyze job duties and the potential specialty occupations. Prepare H-1B, TN, O-1, or E-3 petitions.
* Legal Permanency Support: Coordinate with outside counsel on documentation for Green Cards, including the PERM process, Labor Certifications, and Form I-140, among others.
* Recordkeeping and Reporting: Manage documentation for public access files, prevailing wage requests, labor condition applications (LCA), and petitions in compliance with H-1B regulations. Manage required physical premises postings as needed. Gather information and respond to government requests for evidence (RFE), as needed. Comply with record keeping and compliance requirements. Prepare detailed statistical reports for the VISA Office, university administration, and government agencies, as directed by the director.
* Compliance and Regulations: Stay updated with the latest immigration policies, regulations, and changes affecting international employees. Maintain knowledge of visa restrictions, work limitations, travel restrictions, etc. Ensure compliance with any changes in the rules and communicate updates to the international community. Assist with completion of I-9 documentation, payroll, and potential federal tax exemptions under tax treaties.
* Serve as an alternative responsible officer (ARO) for Case Western Reserve University. This role requires U.S. government adjudication and training and gives the advisor the independent authority to advise international scholars on a case-by-case basis on their legal immigration status in the United States. Stay current regarding knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations as they affect international scholars through specific and ongoing training and to trends in higher education though involvement with professional organizations.

General Campus Services (10%)

* Training and Communications: Deliver workshops, programs, and other training to keep international students well-informed about immigration regulations, academic success, and intercultural competence. Be a resource for faculty and staff about immigration policies and procedures as they relate to Case Western Reserve University's academic policies. Deliver workshops, programs, and other training to international faculty, staff, and scholars about immigration regulations, new developments, and other topics of interest to the international employee populations. Update and maintain accurate content on the VISA website, other written materials (such as newsletters), and communication or resources to human resources administrators, supervisors, and the international community, as directed by supervisor.
* Continuous Improvement: Identify areas for process improvement and suggest strategies to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the student or employment visa advisory services. Stay updated on industry best practices and share knowledge with VISA team members. Must have U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent residence to meet ARO/DSO reporting requirements as required by U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Department of State.

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

* Provide feedback and recommendations annually on immigration policies and procedures. (