Immigration Specialist

Search #: 499115
Work type: Full-time
Location: Storrs Campus
Categories: Human Resources, Legal

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director/Manager of Labor Relations, the Immigration Specialist is a key member of the Human Resources team, responsible for employment-based immigration processes for international faculty and staff. This role serves as an institutional resource on employment visa sponsorship and permanent residency sponsorship, providing support to university-sponsored foreign nationals as well as hiring departments throughout the immigration process. The Immigration Specialist will work closely with university leadership, academic departments, and the University Office of Global Affairs to provide guidance on immigration regulations and university policies related to international employment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Coordinate all aspects of employment-based (immigrant and non-immigrant) visa applications including case initiation, document collection, and filing.
Provide consultation to hiring departments on visa eligibility, sponsorship timelines, and university guidelines.
Maintain compliance with Department of Labor requirements including Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) and related documentation.
Oversee employment-based green card cases from start to finish, including PERM labor certification, I-140 immigrant petitions, and adjustment of status (I-485) applications; partner with external immigration attorneys as needed to ensure thorough, accurate, and timely filings.
Guide departments and employees through each stage of the permanent residency process and communicate university policies regarding sponsorship.
In collaboration with other university departments, e.g., Global Affairs, General Counsel, etc., monitor federal immigration regulations and assess impact on university community.
Maintain records of immigration filings in systems to support audits, reporting, and internal tracking.
Serve as a resource for international faculty and staff regarding immigration status, travel, dependents, and employment transitions.
Provide clear and proactive communication about case timelines, responsibilities, and procedural updates.
Educate hiring departments on immigration procedures, documentation requirements, and compliance expectations.
Develop and maintain written guidance, process documentation, and training resources related to visa and green card sponsorship.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of experience in employment-based immigration, including both nonimmigrant visa and green card processing.

Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. immigration regulations related to H-1B, O-1, PERM, I-140, and I-485 processes.

Demonstrated organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines

Interpersonal and written communication skills necessary to explain complex immigration regulations clearly, collaborate effectively with faculty and administrative staff, and prepare precise documentation for visa and permanent residency processes.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master's degree or paralegal certification focused on immigration, or JD.

Prior experience in employment-based immigration processes in higher education.

Familiarity with case management systems (e.g. Legal Files)

Experience training HR professionals or managers on immigration topics.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, permanent position. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/health-benefits/.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

University of Connecticut

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Immigration Specialist