Sr Immigration Advisor

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

44 Celebration Dr, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14620

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

200211 International Services Office

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 110 H

Compensation Range:

$29.33 - $41.06

Responsibilities:

Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Advising Services, with latitude for independent judgment and decision-making, provides guidance to student advisers on non-immigrant F and J regulations, manages cases, advises on complex immigration issues. The Senior International Advisor serves as both an International Student and Scholar Advisor and the Advising Team's lead for technology solutions and process optimization. This position is responsible for the development, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of SUNAPSIS/URcompass functionality to streamline operations, enhance the student experience, and ensure compliance with federal immigration regulations.

Working closely with the Advising Team, Systems Team, and University IT, the Senior International Advisor develops electronic forms, workflows, and automated processes; provides system training and support; and oversees online orientation and educational resources for international students. The position also maintains an advising caseload, providing immigration advising and support to F-1 and J-1 students and scholars.

Researches and communicates changes in regulations with appropriate regulatory citations and assists with policy development and delivery of employment workshops and training for students, departments, and faculty. Represents the office on university-wide and internal committees and liaises with governmental agencies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Immigration Compliance

• Serve as Designated School Official and Alternate Responsible Officer for the F and J programs
• Provide mentorship and guidance to complex cases with ISO advisers and ISO constituent groups
• Evaluate, assess, and provide sponsorship guidance for new students and academic departments
• Analyze relevant personal, program, and travel information to ensure UR compliance with required reporting
• Train new UR administrators and departmental contacts on ISO requirements, forms, services,

Immigration Advising and Counseling

• Advise students on complex immigration requirements, permissions, benefits, applications, and procedures.
•  Counsel students facing various personal issues (social, academic, cultural, financial, health, taxation, etc.)
•  Anticipate potential immigration consequences or opportunities and make appropriate resource referrals.
• Offer instruction on logistical needs, such as US Social Security Numbers, insurance, and tax reporting tools.
•  Advise dependent spouses/partners and children on immigration permissions, responsibilities, resources, etc.
• Develop, maintain, and enhance online orientation and educational resources for incoming and continuing international students, such as Homebase.

SUNAPSIS/URcompass

• Serve as the functional lead for the development, testing, implementation, maintenance, and optimization of SUNAPSIS/URcompass e-forms, workflows, checklists, and related functionality.
• Collaborate with the Advising Team, Systems Team, and University IT to design and implement automated business processes that improve operational efficiency while ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Serve as the primary liaison between advising staff and technical partners for system enhancements, upgrades, and issue resolution.
• Develop documentation, communicate system and process updates, and provide training and ongoing support to staff to promote effective system utilization.

Immigration Regulatory Research

• Researches legacy immigration regulations (INA) and analyzes current DHS/SEVIS regulations
• Updates current USCIS practices and policies to all members of the student advising team
• Researches citations and Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) associated with relevant in situ regulations for developing SOPs

Institutional Policy and Practice

•  Develop, articulate, and adhere to internal guidelines for regulatory interpretations, office practices, etc.
•  Determine and explain immigration options with context of specific academic and administrative policies.
•  Cultivate a detailed and current knowledge of immigration regulations, government policy, and legal resources through regular review of published guidance and professional network communications.

Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree and 4 years of experience as an international scholar immigration advisor at a college or university required
• Master's degree preferred
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience with students at the secondary/college/university level required
• Experience with cross-cultural exchange and/or studying or working overseas required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to work with people from different cultures
• Ability to comprehend legal regulations for immigration law and apply them to individual situations required
• Ability to creatively problem solve, work with multiple tasks, and work with people at all levels of the organization required
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, and oral presentation skills) required
• Excellent research, analytical, and presentation skills required
• Strong understanding of government regulations, policies, and procedures related to managing and enrolling international students into programs at the secondary/college/university level required
• Strong understanding of international student information management and registration systems required

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Must be a US citizen or permanent resident of the US 

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.