Global Scholar & Faculty Immigration Advisor

Portland State University; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Portland State University, Oregon’s public research university in Portland, is seeking an International Scholar and Faculty Advisor. The role serves as the Responsible Officer for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program and leads the J-1 advising team.

Responsibilities include preparing and submitting employment-based immigration applications (H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3), filing Labor Condition Applications, and coordinating with assigned attorneys.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 6 or more years of professional experience or Master’s degree and 4 or more years of professional experience. In-depth knowledge and expertise in U.S. immigration law and practice for international students, visiting scholars and employees, preferably in a higher education setting; experience in program support and personal advising; ability to independently solve problems and complex cases for the university and scholar population.
• Expert knowledge of Department of Homeland Security, Department of State and Department of Labor regulations and procedures pertaining to J, H‑I B, TN, B‑l/B‑2 visa classifications and Lawful Permanent Residence, preferably in a higher education setting.
• Knowledge and understanding of how federal regulations and university policies intersect as well as how to apply this knowledge to complex and often ambiguous situations involving international faculty.
• Practical experience working with immigration regulations and visa application processes preferably in the higher education environment. Preference will be given to candidates with experience advising international students as some University hires have been or still are in student status.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to effectively convey complex information in a clear and concise manner to individuals with varying English skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and intercultural communication skills, patience and tact in dealing with people with limited English proficiency.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound decisions, to work independently and collaboratively, to organize work tasks, set priorities and work under pressure with frequent interruption.
• U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency is required to serve as Responsible Officer for the J‑l Exchange Visitor Program.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Responsible Officer for Portland State University’s J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, ensuring university compliance with Department of State J-1 regulations and lead advisor for J-1 student/scholar advising team.
• Carries primary responsibility for managing the preparation and submission of employment‑based immigration applications on behalf of the university, including H‑1B, TN, O‑1, E‑3 and other categories as needed. Files Labor Condition Applications and other DOL attestations on behalf of the university. Manages permanent residence cases and acts as coordinator between the university and assigned attorneys.
• Advises and supports departments and administrative offices on the employment of foreign nationals including visa selection and other special topics involved in bringing foreign nationals to the University.
• Collaborates with the Director on developing and setting policy for the university with respect to the appointment of international faculty and visiting scholars.
• Responsible for keeping the university (particularly OISSS colleagues, Office of General Counsel, OAA and HR) apprised of changes to the immigration regulations and the challenges they may present to existing programs and processes.
• Works in close collaboration with the Director of OISSS, the J student and scholar advising teams and OISSS staff, academic departments and administrative offices, and OGEI. Sets goals and develops plans to implement assigned duties and responsibilities.

Skills

Immigration law

Advising experience

Problem solving

Communication skills

Intercultural skills

Policy development

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Tools

Sunapsis

Job description

Portland State University, Oregon’s public research university in Portland, is seeking an International Scholar and Faculty Advisor. The role serves as the Responsible Officer for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program and leads the J-1 advising team.

Responsibilities include preparing and submitting employment-based immigration applications (H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3), filing Labor Condition Applications, and coordinating with assigned attorneys.