Senior International Advisor

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 Senior International Student Adviser delivers immigration services to the international student community at Columbia University. Specifically, the incumbent advises on opportunities, rights, and responsibilities under the immigration laws of the United States, and confers with other University departments, legal counsel, or governmental agencies as necessary; advises international students on all immigration matters related to their presence at Columbia University; acts as Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) in issuing required US government documents to international students in order to obtain student or exchange visitor visas abroad, extend stay, apply for employment authorization, travel abroad, and re-enter the US successfully; collaborates with staff, schools, departments and outside organizations (including vendors) to plan and coordinate collaborative events as needed.

Responsibilities

• Develops and presents informational workshops on student-related immigration topics.
• Refer students as needed to other campus departments or external services / agencies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by Director for International Student Services.
• Act as Designated School Official (DSO) and as Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) in issuing appropriate immigration documents for international students.
• Take action in SEVIS for immigration transactions as needed.
• Advise international students on immigration matters related to their stay at Columbia University including but not limited to employment authorization, extension of stay, travel and return to the U.S., opportunities, rights and responsibilities under immigration regulations.
• Consult as needed with Director on complex student immigration cases.
• Two Weekend days per month advising via Zoom (YCBM) and Phone (Call Center Team).

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and / or equivalent experience required.
• Minimum 3 years relevant immigration regulation, advisement, and compliance experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 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.
• U.S. government regulations require Designated School Officials and Alternate Responsible Officers be U.S. citizens or Legal Permanent Residents.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in cross-cultural communication, counseling, area or cultural studies, foreign language, international education, or TESOL.
• 4 years administering and advising federal F-1 and J-1 immigration regulations as (DSO / ARO) in a higher education setting.
• Experience teaching / training / presenting. Experience using the Sunapsis International Office database.
• Fluency in at least one foreign language; experience living abroad. Completion of NAFSA F-1 and J-1 Professional Development Programs.

Other Requirements

Position 1 :

• 2pm -9pm Eastern Standard Time. Work days : Tuesday to Saturday. Position is Remote. Some Weekends and work hours may vary depending on demands.

Position 2 :

• 2pm -9pm Eastern Standard Time. Work days : Sunday to Thursday. Position is Remote. Some Weekends and work hours may vary depending on demands.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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