Senior Compliance Adviser

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) at Columbia University is the primary office responsible for federal immigration compliance and the related immigration services offered to its non-immigrant international students, scholars & faculty. Technology infrastructure is critical to the federal compliance functions of ISSO, especially as this relates to the federal Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which ISSO manages and maintains on behalf of Columbia University. The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) currently serves nearly 14,000 international students and 3,181 international faculty members and research scholars; administers post-admission services to an additional 6,000 initial / incoming international students; and administers the ever-increasingly complex array of government regulations supporting the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's SEVIS system. The ISSO manages the collection and entry of information into SEVIS for tracking foreign national students and scholars. The ISSO is a resource at all levels throughout the University on matters that touch on any topic having to do with holders of temporary non-immigrant visas, including but not limited to enrollment, travel, and employment.

The Senior Compliance Adviser (SCA) serves as Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for the Exchange Visitor program at Columbia University, processes initial student DS-2019s, transfers, and change of status applications. The SCA also acts as Designated School Official (DSO) for Columbia's international student population and processes initial, transfer, and change of status applications (note : U.S. federal regulations require Alternate Responsible Officers and Designated School Officials to be U.S. Citizens or U.S. Legal Permanent Residents). As needed, the SCA will : advise the University's international students on immigration, employment, and travel regulations, and refer students to community resources as necessary; advise the University administration on immigration regulations; train academic department administrators related to immigration regulations and ISSO policies and procedures; conduct training programs for the University administration; assist the Director for Compliance in establishing policy as it relates to SEVIS compliance and issuance of initial visa documentation; interact with U.S. Consular Affairs, State Department, and Homeland Security officials when necessary; and advise / review complex cases and immigration issues with other advisers. The incumbent advises on opportunities, rights, and responsibilities under the immigration laws of the United States, and refers to other University departments, legal counsel, or governmental agencies as necessary.

Responsibilities

• The Senior Compliance Adviser (SCA) issues required U.S. government documents (forms DS-2019 and I-20) for international students to obtain student (F-1) or Exchange Visitor (J-1) visas, travel abroad, re-enter the US, and apply for other benefits as appropriate.
• Consult with the SEVIS Help Desk and U.S. Customs & Immigration Services to resolve processing or status problems.
• Serve as Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO). Please note that U.S. federal regulations require Alternate Responsible Officers and Designated School Officials to be U.S. Citizens or U.S. Legal Permanent Residents.
• Along with the Director for Compliance, the SCA will consult on current federal regulations, policies, the Code of Federal Regulations, and secondary references related to complex immigration cases.
• Advises and provides guidance to F-1 and J-1 students regarding their opportunities, rights, and responsibilities related to immigration regulations and university policies; serves as a University liaison, and works directly with the U.S. State Department, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, consular officers, and immigration officials on matters related to non-immigrant foreign students.
• The Senior Compliance Adviser (SCA) processes initial forms DS-2019 and forms I-20 (visa application forms for the J-1 and F-1 visas, respectively), transfers, and change of status applications for incoming international students.
• Monitor information resources regarding non-immigrant visa issues and other concerns related to international students in the United States.
• Respond to inquiries from incoming students about requests for forms I-20 and DS-2019, and non-related immigration matters.
• Follow up with students about incomplete requests for forms I-20 and DS-2019.
• Advise students on F-1 and J-1 immigration regulations.
• Coordinate J-1 and F-1 SEVIS transfer in with other institutions.
• Process F-1 / J-1 SEVIS registration for new incoming students and scholars.
• Process SEVIS registration for continuing students.
• Assist in the management and maintenance of the federal SEVIS system
• Assist in the management and maintenance of the Sunapsis system (ISSO's primary file management system and connection to the
• federal SEVIS system).
• Support the expanding communications efforts of ISSO.
• Present to stakeholders regarding F-1 and J-1 regulations and represent ISSO at campus events.
• Participates in the design and implementation of office business practices, services, and education and information programs; participates in ongoing strategic planning, conceptualizing processes, services, and programs; identifying populations; developing content and materials; and working with staff to realize goals and objectives.
• Collaborates with ISSO leadership as needed to ensure proper understanding and application of immigration regulations and University policies. Recommends policy changes in order to ensure compliance with federal regulations. Creates and administers effective quality controls and puts into effect modifications to achieve enhanced customer service taking appropriate initiative and exercising discretion within the scope of assigned duties.
• Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned / requested.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and / or related experience required.
• Minimum 3 years relevant immigration regulation advisement and compliance experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience teaching / training / presenting.
• Knowledge of F-1 and J-1 student immigration regulations, and SEVIS; ability to communicate effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds; excellent organizational, interpersonal, and written and oral communication skills; strong computer literacy.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3 years administering and advising federal F-1 and J-1 immigration regulations and (DSO / ARO) in a higher education setting.
• Preferred : Fluency in at least one foreign language; experience living abroad; familiarity with Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Web-based applications. Completion of NAFSA F-1 and J-1 Professional Development Programs.
• Master's degree in cross-cultural communication, counseling, area or cultural studies, foreign language, or TESOL.

Other Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or Legal U.S. Permanent Resident to function as an ARO and DSO.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.