Faculty and Staff Immigration Services (FSIS) is seeking an
Immigration Specialist to assist with managing and preparing filings for university-sponsored non-immigrant work authorization cases, including H-1B petitions and other nonimmigrant petitions. Responsibilities will include conducting pre-filing due diligence, collecting necessary information and documentation, facilitating communication and coordination between external counsel and employees/hiring departments, reviewing filings for accuracy, assist with drafting responses to requests for additional evidence from the USCIS, and approving workflow transactions. This position also entails determining eligibility for university-sponsored immigration benefits, providing immigration plans and process overviews to departmental liaisons, running monthly queries to determine employment authorization expiration dates, preparing and analyzing reports, interpreting and monitoring compliance with USCIS policies and regulations, and recommending new policies or changes to existing ones. Additionally, this role includes assistance with coordinating operational activities related to the university's sponsorship of foreign national employees, advising on employment authorization issues and other general inquiries surrounding non-immigrant statuses, and communicating work authorization and status updates to relevant stakeholders.
This position is eligible for
hybrid work (combination of on campus and remote) within Iowa and will require a work arrangement form to be completed upon the start of your employment. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually, and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location.
Job Duties And Tasks
- Manage and prepare filings for 50% of university-sponsored non-immigrant work authorization caseload (~125 to 150 cases annually), including preparation of H-1B petitions and other non-immigrant filings (TN, H-1B1, and E-3)
- Conduct appropriate pre-filing due diligence, collect necessary information and documentation from the foreign national employee and hiring department, complete USCIS petition forms, and review and assemble required supporting documentation
- Assist with coordinating the operational activities associated with the University's sponsorship of foreign national employees for employment authorization
- Run monthly queries to determine employment authorization expiration dates and distribute to FSIS staff.
- May calculate the remainder of immigration benefit eligibility as needed
- Interpret and monitor compliance with complex policies and procedures related to USCIS policies and regulations.
- Conduct research into USCIS policies and regulations with direction from the unit director on a case-specific or program-wide basis.
- Regularly communicate with the unit director on novel or complex issues.
- Communicate work authorization and status changes/updates to foreign national employees and relevant stakeholders.
- Develop routine communication case status updates and templates; Revise Unit templates to incorporate process changes.
To obtain the full job description including key areas of responsibility, technical competencies, and desirable qualifications, please contact Adrian Cunningham at adrian-cunningham@uiowa.edu.
Education Or Equivalency Requirement
- A Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Required Qualifications
- Typically, 1 year of experience providing employment-based immigration services
- Demonstrated ability to communicate complex information in clear and comprehensible manner to a variety of audiences
- Demonstrated experience managing multiple cases or projects while meeting deadlines
- Excellent skills with organization and accuracy.
Desirable Qualifications
- Professional experience in a higher education and/or healthcare environment
- Knowledge of federal employment-based immigration regulations
- Ability to support a welcoming and respectful workplace environment
Application Details
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission:
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. For questions, contact Adrian Cunningham at adrian-cunningham@uiowa.edu.
Benefits Highlights
Regular salaried position. Pay Level 3A. Located in Iowa City, Iowa.
Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans. For more information about Why Iowa? Click here.
Additional Information
- Classification Title: HR Specialist
- Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
- Schedule: Full-time
- Work Modality Options: Hybrid within Iowa
Compensation
Contact Information
- Organization: University Human Resources
- Contact Name: Adrian Cunningham
- Contact Email: adrian-cunningham@uiowa.edu