Immigration Specialist | George Mason University
Location
Fairfax, VA | United States
Job description
Department: Division of Enrollment Management - Office of Admissions
Classification: Education Support Spec 2
Job Category: Classified Staff
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)
Location: Fairfax, VA
Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible
Pay Band: 03
Salary: Salary is starting at $44,000 commensurate with education and experience
Criminal Background Check: Yes
Works with Minors check: Yes
About the Department:
The Office of Admissions recruits and enrolls applicants to George Mason University, including freshmen, transfers, graduate and non-degree students.
About the Position:
The Immigration Specialist issues immigration documentation for F-1 visa seeking international students admitted to George Mason University. They collect and analyze financial documentation and determine if the admitted student is eligible to receive university issued immigration documentation needed to apply for an F-1 student visa. The Immigration Specialist serves as a liaison between the Mason's Office of Admissions and Office of International Programs and Services.
This position may require working non-standard schedule and/or overtime hours occasionally when the workload is high.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as an F-1 Designated School Official:
- Collect and analyze all required financial documents for I-20 issuance;
- Follow up or contact students to help them through the process of sending appropriate documents in order to issue I-20 forms;
- Interface on behalf of the University with federal agencies including the US citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Department of State, Department of Labor, Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), and others as appropriate and necessary;
- Issues I-20 forms for new incoming students in a timely manner;
- Consult with faculty and administrative staff on issues related to the University's sponsorship of non-immigrant students, researchers and faculty;
- Accurately and efficiently issue I-20 forms;
- Students are counseled in accordance with the regulations governing their legal status in the US; and
- Document requests are handled promptly and accurately.
- Accurately work in the International Student and Scholar Management System and SEVIS databases to run reports, import data from Banner through the ISSM Datalink, Salesforce, SEVIS Alert List checks and communication with coordination with the Advisors in matters relating to new student immigration compliance matters;
- Send emails to students through Graduate Admissions portal or ISSM to provide information and updates to new international students, both written and electronic;
- Respond to student inquiries by phone and email;
- Administrative duties are performed as requested;
- Databases are updated and files prepared promptly;
- Student and departmental queries answered in a timely manner;
- I-20 forms are issued and signed in accordance with federal regulations and University policy;
- Work closely with the Office of International Programs and Services (OIPS) to ensure compliance with university policy and procedure;
- Work closely with the Graduate Units to ensure accurate information when documenting scholarship awarded by the units;
- Develop, document and execute George Mason University requirements and procedures, and effectively train others, if necessary;
- Stay connected with OIPS by attending weekly meetings with their office;
- Clearly communicate policies and requirements to Graduate units; and
- May be assigned other duties and responsibilities required for regulatory support or to ensure the effective operation of the department, including consultation/advising students, supporting new student orientation, performing support functions required by the advising staff, and handling special projects.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
- Experience working in a customer service or administrative position;
- Basic knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet software;
- Demonstrated organizational skills;
- Solid verbal and written communication skills, with particular emphasis on explaining complex concepts to individuals who have limited proficiency in English;
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment;
- Ability to effectively safeguard confidential information;
- Ability to research and interpret federal regulations, and to use the regulations to make decisions related to student status;
- Excellent attention to detail, including the ability to review documents and other work and make corrections;
- Ability to balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines under pressure;
- Ability to serve students/clients effectively;
- Ability to work effectively with individuals who may be angry or upset;
- Ability to work effectively with colleagues of diverse work styles and preferences; and
- U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence is a federal government requirement for serving as a Designated School Official.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Major field of study may vary, but an area related to international education, information technology, law, or student services;
- Several years of regulatory compliance and/or higher education experience;
- Experience working in an International Student Office and/or as a Designated School Official;
- Experience in the culture-crossing process and/or an understanding of the dynamics of cultural adjustment;
- Bilingual; and
- Knowledge of F-1 and J-1 non-immigrant student regulations.
Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for Immigration Specialist at ; complete and submit the online application; and provide a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references with contact information.
Posting Open Date: February 1, 2024
For Full Consideration, Apply by: February 15, 2024
Open Until Filled?: Yes
About George Mason University
George Mason University is a public, comprehensive, research university established by the Commonwealth of Virginia located in Northern Virginia, outside of Washington, D.C. Mason was initially founded as a branch of the University of Virginia in 1949, and became an independent institution in 1972. George Mason University is an innovative and inclusive academic community committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperous world.
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