Purpose

Coordinate and file I-140, I-129, and other non-immigrant petitions for international faculty and scholars on behalf of The University of Texas at Austin. Work closely with academic departments to support employment strategies of international faculty and scholars. Ensure university’s compliance with federal regulations and maintain detailed records of all processes. 

Responsibilities

Immigration Casework and Advising

• File timely and accurate I-140, I-129, and other non-immigrant petitions to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of The University of Texas at Austin. Prepare and file Labor Conditions Applications, Prevailing Wage Determinations, and PERM applications with the U.S. Department of Labor. Draft, review, and edit letters of support for USCIS petitions. Coordinate with university departments to obtain necessary documents to file petitions.
• Interpret complex U.S. immigration laws, regulations, policies, and procedures applicable to international employees and advise departments and international faculty/scholars accordingly. Work closely with academic departments to determine holistic immigration strategies for international faculty/scholars both prior to hiring and during employment.
• Actively participate in the maintenance, development, and growth of team expertise in the laws and regulations governing international faculty/scholars. Work closely with ISSS leadership to ensure proper understanding and application of immigration regulations and university policies, taking appropriate initiative and exercising discretion within the scope of assigned duties.
• Serve as Alternate Responsible Office (ARO) responsible for J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. Provide support to unit for routine SEVIS record maintenance and DS-2019 issuance when necessary.

Compliance

• Ensure compliance through understanding of and adherence to all applicable federal immigration and labor regulations, as well as, university policy. Work collaboratively with faculty and scholar services team to maintain consistent protocol related to employment-based immigration policies and procedures. Develop and present recommendations to improve effectiveness and efficiency of the unit.
• Maintain detailed and organized files on all casework. Ensure consistency and accuracy of data in administrative databases including, but not limited to, creation of new immigration files, timely updates of data in the system, and note taking.
• Communicate with federal agencies to ensure timely responses and compliance with all requests, requirements, and regulations.

Outreach and Communication

• Plan, develop, and conduct programming to educate international faculty/scholars on laws, regulations, and policies that pertain to their immigration status in the United States.
• Serve as a resource and proactively communicate with academic departments to support international faculty/scholars and provide information about federal regulations as they relate to their specific college, school, or unit.  
• Work collaboratively with ISSS colleagues to develop and conduct training and informational sessions on issues pertaining to international faculty/scholars for the university community.
• Ensure that written communication, including but not limited to the ISSS webpages, presentations, handouts and publications, includes clear and concise information for international faculty/scholars, departments, and the university community.

Support of ISSS and Texas Global functions

• Actively support the critical priorities and functions of ISSS and Texas Global, serve on internal committees, and participate in work groups to support the mission of the organization.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and five years of professional experience handling immigration or related casework. 
• Demonstrated experience filing H-1B, TN, E-3, or O-1 petitions.
• Familiarity with employer-sponsored EB-1/EB-2 I-140 petitions with a focus on Outstanding Professor/Researcher or PERM (Basic and Special Handling). 
• Familiarity with J-1 immigration regulations pertaining to Research Scholar, Professor, Short-Term Scholar, and Specialist categories
• Evidence of strong organizational abilities and the ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, high-volume, environment.
• Excellent written communication skills with an emphasis on attention to detail.
• Effective problem-solving skills and demonstrated ability to take initiative. 
• Ability to be diplomatic, composed, and proactive in varied interactions.
• Exemplary cross-cultural communication skills with documented experience in public speaking and delivering presentations.
• Outstanding professional demeanor.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Commitment to high quality and efficient customer service to faculty, staff, and external partners.
• Due to federal database access requirements, only U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents may apply for this position.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience filing employer sponsored EB-1/EB-2 I-140 petitions (with a focus on Outstanding Professor/Researcher and PERM, both Basic and Special Handling).
• Significant experience with advising international faculty and scholars on immigration regulations in a university context.