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 general direction of the Associate Director of Advising Services, with latitude for individual judgement, the Senior International Scholar Advisor serves as both an International Scholar Advisor and the Scholar 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 scholar, employee, and department experience, and ensure compliance with federal immigration regulations.

Working closely with the Systems Team, and University IT, the Senior International Scholar Advisor develops electronic forms, workflows, and automated processes; provides system training and support; and oversees online orientation and educational resources for international scholars, employees and host departments, developing and utilizing Homebase system and ISO website. The position also maintains an advising caseload, providing immigration advising and support to non-immigrant employees and scholars.

Serves as a team leader on the Scholar Advising team, providing guidance and mentoring to International Scholar Advisor on J-1 Scholar and H-1B regulations and processes. Manages the processing and filing of employment-based petitions (H-1B and TN,) and J Exchange Visitor Program. Advises on O-1 employment-based filings, waiver of two-year home residence requirement, and routes to permanent residence. Works with outside immigration counsel as well as internal departments. Coordinates support for international population throughout the University and the departments that host them. Works with USCIS, USDOL, USDOS, SEVIS System, and Sunapsis Database, U of R Departments, and senior leadership.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Immigration Regulatory Compliance

• Serves as an Immigration Advisor to hiring departments, employees, and scholars and advises on complex immigration requirements, permissions, benefits, applications, and procedures on employment based nonimmigrant statuses, H-1B, J EVP, TN, F-1 OPT and STEM, and O-1. Determines appropriate status for the situation.
• Determines prevailing wage, actual wage, and required wage to prepare and file LCA’s. Files LCA’s with US Dept. of Labor, following USDOL Regulations. A certified LCA is required to file H-1B petitions.
• Prepares H-1B petitions, also submits accompanying H-4 applications, and files with USCIS following Immigration Regulations
• Ensure institutional SEVIS and USCIS compliance by adhering to government reporting requirements and deadlines.

Immigration Advising

• Advise hiring departments, employees, and scholars on complex immigration requirements, permissions, benefits, applications, and procedures on employment based nonimmigrant statuses, H-1B, J EVP, TN, F-1 OPT and STEM, and O-1. Determine appropriate status for the situation.
• Manage J EVP, prepare required documents, and provide J scholar immigration orientation.
• Strategize on best route to permanent residence for international employees.  Advise departments and international employees and coordinate with outside immigration counsel.
• Counsel and triage employee concerns, anticipating potential immigration consequences or opportunities, and make appropriate resource referrals.
• Review waiver process with J EVP’s.
• Design and deliver orientation programs for scholars and dependents
• Advise dependent spouses/partners and children on immigration permissions, responsibilities, resources, etc.
• Advise international scholars on travel issues and visa stamp renewals

Data Management and reporting

• Manage J EVP in SEVIS and Sunapsis. Prepare Forms DS-2019.
• Maintain and updates employee and scholar information in Sunapsis database.
• 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 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.
• Develop, maintain, and enhance online orientation and educational resources for incoming and continuing international students, such as Homebase.
• Develop, maintain, and enhance ISO website information for international scholars, employees, and department.

Training and Administration

• Serve as a team leader and provide guidance, training, and mentoring to International Scholar Advisor.
• Develop and present H-1B, J EVP, TN, Routes to Employment sponsored Permanent Residence, J EVP, and Sunapsis training sessions for departments and scholars throughout the University.

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
• Knowledge of employment nonimmigrant statuses, J-1 Exchange Visitor Program regulations, routes to employment sponsored permanent residence, and government SEVIS system, US Dept. of Labor, US Immigration, and US Dept of State regulations.
• Familiarity with Sunapsis.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Per federal regulations, to be an Alternate Responsible Officer with responsibilities for the Exchange Visitor Program, U.S. citizen or permanent residence is required.

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.