Immigration Specialist

University Center for International Studies - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - (25003111)

The Office of International Services provides immigration-related services for international visitors, students, faculty, researchers, and staff across all University of Pittsburgh campuses. OIS serves as a welcoming support center while ensuring compliance with federal immigration requirements. Our mission is to provide high-quality, comprehensive immigration services while developing international education professionals and leaders, guided by values of integrity, respect, excellence, leadership, teamwork, resourcefulness, and service.

OIS is seeking an Immigration Specialist to join our Employment Team handling complex scholar and employee immigration casework and advising.

The Immigration Specialist will be responsible for:

Coordinating complex employment-based immigration casework including E, H, J, O, TN, and permanent residence petitions for international scholars, faculty, and staff throughout the University
Processes multi-part federal applications for submission to U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of State, and U.S. Department of Labor, including RFE responses
Ensures compliance with immigration regulations by educating faculty and administrators on federal requirements affecting international employees and scholars
Serves as Designated School Official and Alternate Responsible Officer with individual federal recognition to access and report to secure Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
Serves as resource for University members regarding complex immigration matters, providing guidance on non-routine visa issues with significant employment implications
Advises international scholars and employees on complex immigration regulations and personal, social, academic concerns related to their status
Maintains relationships with government agencies (DHS, DOS, DOL), educational institutions, and community organizations to facilitate visa documentation and employment authorization
Represents OIS as liaison between office and University schools, departments, divisions, and external stakeholders
Maintains international records in University and federal systems, ensuring accuracy and compliance with federal reporting requirements
Compiles information and prepares reports and analyses for government agencies, establishing progress and providing recommendations
Remains current through professional reading, developing contacts, and attending required training on evolving immigration law and regulations

Qualifications:

A Bachelors Degree with 2-3 years' experience. Preferably in scholar and employee immigration advising and petition preparation, including H-1B applications and RFE responses
Knowledge of permanency processes and nonimmigrant visa processing
Proficiency with software and online application systems
Excellent communication
Superior analytical and problem-solving abilities
Outstanding customer service

A cover letter is required. Applications without cover letters will not be considered.

Job Summary

Facilitates legal immigration applications and processes and serves as liaison between the University and government agencies and as a resource for the University. Ensures accurate document processing and the University's compliance. Performs international credential evaluations for the admissions process.

Essential Functions

Coordinates with faculty, staff, employees, and students throughout the University in facilitating and maintaining lawful immigration status and employment authorization.
Ensures compliance with immigration/visa rules and regulations by educating faculty and department administrators on the unique limitations of international students.
Serves as resource for all University members and affiliates regarding visa matters. Answers non-routine and complex immigration/visa related questions and assists in resolving issues.
Maintains relationships with government agencies, sponsoring organizations, and foreign embassies to facilitate visa documentation and employment authorization for foreign students, scholars, faculty, staff, and employees.
Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as directed.
Compiles information and prepares various reports and analyses establishing progress, describing adverse trends, and stating recommendations and/or conclusions. Prepares required reports on foreign students and employees for various government agencies.
Assists in the admissions process by performing international credential evaluation as needed.

Physical Effort

Little physical effort required. Duties are primarily sedentary.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.

Assignment Category

Full-time regular

Job Classification

Staff.Immigration Coordinator II

Job Family

Legal

Job Sub-Family

International Legal Support

Campus

Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Years of Experience Required

Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience?

Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Work Arrangement

Remote: Teams working from different locations (off-campus).

Hiring Range

$57,000 - $61,000

Relocation Offered

Visa Sponsorship Provided

Background Check

For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check

Child Protection Clearances

Not Applicable

Required Documents

Resume, Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Not Applicable

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Immigration Specialist