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Southern Methodist University · 1 month ago

International Services Coordinator (HR Title: International Program Specialist)

Dallas, TX

Full-time

Onsite

Entry, Mid Level

2+ years exp

Southern Methodist University (SMU) is a prestigious institution serving a diverse student body and is committed to academic freedom and open inquiry. The International Program Specialist will advise international students and scholars on immigration compliance and assist them with navigating their visa requirements, while fostering an inclusive environment and providing exceptional customer service.

E-LearningEducationUniversities

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Serve as the DSO and ARO for the F1 and J1 visa programs. Provide advisement (in-person, virtually via Zoom, email, and telephone) to international students and scholars on regulatory issues including but not limited to: visa applications, maintaining status, on and off campus employment benefits, program extensions, reinstatements, and transfers. Advise students and scholars on university procedures and resources

On-Campus Work Authorization: Advise students on on-campus employment criteria. Review and approve Payroll Authorization Forms. Coordinate with various departmental representatives on what constitutes on-campus employment according to the U.S. government

Reinstatements: Advise students on how to reinstate their visa status after they have violated their visa requirements. Advise students on the entire application process of reinstatement; determine reinstatement eligibility; help students assemble the application to mail to USCIS; provide documentation supporting the reinstatement recommendation and submit recommendation electronically in SEVIS

Change of Statuses (COS): Advise students on the criteria and eligibility for a change of status application with the United States Citizenship Immigration Services Office. Facilitate the application process by helping them assemble their application to mail to USCIS; provide documentation recommending the COS within the U.S in the form of an I-20 or Ds-2019

Assist with the Social Security application process as well as the ITIN, and Driver's license for new students and scholars

SMU Staff and Student Training: Coordinate with the advising team to provide training to various campus constituents specifically admissions, enrollment services, and academic departments to ensure that international students and scholars fulfill their requirements and maintain their immigration status. Help train new ISSS staff members on institutional policies and federal regulations pertaining to F/J students

Process work authorizations benefit for international students including Curricular Practical and Optional Practical training applications. This includes reviewing eligibility and creating new I20 documents as proof of work authorization and recommendation

Assist with several programs including planning and executing orientation and other cultural programs

Create and facilitate Canvas courses, workshops, and information seminars on immigration and compliance procedures. Assist with maintaining forms and keeping the ISSS website current

Assist with monthly reports including advising services, employment authorization and other reports assigned by the director

Qualification

Immigration regulations knowledgeAdvising international studentsSEVIS experiencePeopleSoft proficiencyCommunication skillsPlanning skillsCanvas proficiencyCanva proficiencyMicrosoft Teams proficiencyProblem-solving skillsOrganizational skillsTime management skillsInterpersonal skills

Required

Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident

Bachelor's degree and a minimum of two (2) years of experience is required or equivalent combination of education and experience, may be considered

Candidate must demonstrate ability to assess legal cases and provide solutions based on depth knowledge of immigration regulations and based on professional experience dealing with similar situations

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies

Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions

Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills

Preferred

Candidate with professional experience advising international students preferably at a four-year institution for a minimum of one year is highly desirable

Candidate with knowledge of the code of federal regulations governing visa holders on F and J visa categories is preferred

Candidate with knowledge of office applications including PeopleSoft, SharePoint, Canvas, Canva, Teams, and experience working in SEVIS, real time is desired