International Student and Scholar Advisors are a position in the International Studies Office (ISO). This position is part of a team which advises the university community on student and scholar visa categories and policy related to UVA non-immigrant populations. The advisor will serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) and an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO). The position is responsible for ensuring compliance with all requirements pertaining to international students, scholars, and their dependents at UVA as set forth by the Department of Homeland Security, Department of State, Social Security Administration, and other government agencies.

Advise international students (undergraduate, graduate, and professional) and exchange visitors on all matters pertaining to their immigration status, related concerns, administrative and cultural issues. Specifically, advise students and exchange visitors, individually and in groups on:

• F and J immigration regulations.

• Issues of cultural adaptation and culture shock.

• Laws pertaining to employment eligibility and employment verification (form I-9), Social Security Numbers, driver's licenses and related issues.

• Other individual concerns related to their status as an international student/visitor at UVA.

Serve as Designated School Official & Alternate Responsible Officer capable of advising students on complex F-1 and J-1 immigration scenarios.

• Process immigration benefits for international students and exchange visitors.

• Generate immigration documentation (I-20, DS-2019 forms) for new and continuing international students/exchange visitors.

• Provide advising during assigned advising hours and scheduled appointments.

• Manage assigned reports and alerts in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

• Remain abreast of regulatory changes and development as they affect international students.

Participate in Formal & Informal Outreach for the International Studies Office

• Programming on immigration benefits, cultural adjustment, and related issues for students and exchange visitors.

• Provide regulatory, procedural and cultural training for University faculty and staff.

• Consult with outside agency representatives sponsoring agencies, government officials, employers of students--on behalf of the students.

Engage in Departmental Service

• Serve on assigned ISO committees, working groups and task forces.

• Prepare and update information materials.

• Represent the ISO as assigned.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum requirements:

Education: Bachelor's Degree required, Master's Degree preferred. Bachelor's or Master's degree in a field related to international education preferred.

Experience:

• Three years of related experience and familiarity with international education in general.

• Knowledge of U.S. Immigration laws and regulations pertaining to F and J students and their dependents.

• Knowledge of procedures for employment, change of visa status, reinstatement and other complex F and J authorizations and processes.

• Must be U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident to meet regulatory requirements as a Designated School Official and Alternate Responsible Officer.

• Must be willing to travel to participate in professional meetings and conferences.

• Ability to multitask and work independently.

• Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with diverse groups and individuals.

• Must demonstrate extensive regulatory experience in an office responsible for interpreting and applying government regulations and statutes pertaining to non-immigrant students.

• Experience with use of MS Office applications, especially Word, Excel, and Outlook.

• Experience in use of university student and personnel information systems.

• Familiarity with FERPA regulations.

• Must have extremely good time management and customer service skills.

• Strong interpersonal, collaborative, organizational, analytical, and oral/written communication skills preferred.

• Experience using Terra Dotta Systems International Student and Scholar Services product preferred.