Immigration Specialist

Research Foundation of The City University of New York • Full-time • New York City Metropolitan Area, US • 5h ago

SUMMARY:

The Immigration Specialist reports directly to the Assistant Director of Human Resources, Personnel Services, with a dotted reporting line to the Associate Director of HR, Employment Services. This position serves as the subject matter expert on immigration-related employment matters for the Research Foundation of CUNY (RFCUNY). The incumbent acts as a liaison to internal HR units and external immigration counsel retained by RFCUNY, as well as attorneys representing employees.

The Immigration Specialist is also responsible for providing consultative support on employment-related immigration issues for a variety of visa classifications, including but not limited to H-1B, TN, E-3, O-1, F-1 (OPT/STEM), J-1, and EAD categories. The individual may also support general HR compliance initiatives and special projects as assigned.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Prepare, manage, and coordinate all employment-based non-immigrant petitions including H-1B, TN, E-3, O-1.
Assist Principal Investigators (PIs) and Project Directors (PDs) in understanding immigration processes and applicable fees.
Evaluate whether a position qualifies under USCIS regulations (e.g., H-1B specialty occupation criteria).
Provide proactive guidance to PIs/PDs and employees for preparing new and renewal petitions, ensuring timely submission of documentation.
Respond to USCIS Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and initial screening requests in collaboration with external counsel.
Advise on all employment-based immigration inquiries including petition statuses, visa renewals, and regulatory updates.
Support first-time international hires with guidance on visa stamping procedures for employees and dependents (H-4, E-3D, TD).
Provide onboarding guidance related to work authorization, Social Security application, and temporary residence procedures.
Post and monitor Labor Condition Application (LCA) notices in compliance with DOL regulations.
Maintain required Public Access Files (PAFs) and ensure compliance with Department of Labor and USCIS audit standards.
Collaborate with external immigration counsel on all immigration related matters, to include, but not limited to appeals, revocations, and permanent residency (green card) applications.
Track visa and EAD expiration dates, proactively notify stakeholders, and facilitate next steps for continued employment authorization.
Oversee H-1B terminations and ensure revocation letters are submitted to USCIS in a timely manner.
Ensure prevailing wage tracking and LCA compliance are maintained throughout the employment lifecycle.
Advise on I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification processes and E-Verify compliance requirements.
Coordinate invoice processing for immigration legal services with Procurement and Payables, ensuring proper billing to project accounts.
Remain current on federal and state immigration regulations and best practices; apply updates as needed.
Participate in HR initiatives and ad hoc projects as required.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field required.
Minimum of three (3) years of experience working on employment-based immigration matters, preferably within HR or legal services.
Strong knowledge of U.S. employment-based immigration laws and processes.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interact effectively with legal counsel, federal agencies, and internal stakeholders.
High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Capable of handling confidential matters with discretion and sound judgment.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).