Immigration Advisor

Texas State University; San Marcos (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas State University in San Marcos, TX, seeks an Immigration Advisor (DSO) to provide immigration advising to F-1 students on OPT and STEM OPT, ensuring SEVP and DHS regulatory compliance. Responsibilities include issuing I-20 recommendations, maintaining SEVIS records, and advising on work authorization, status maintenance, and I-983 compliance.

The role reports to the Senior Immigration Advisor and requires strong communication, data management, and knowledge of Terra Dotta.

Qualifications

• Experience advising students in a university context.
• Experience researching and interpreting complex rules and regulations.
• F1 immigration regulations.
• Demonstrated effective communication skills with attention to detail.
• Knowledge of the Terra Dotta database.
• Effective problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and complex environment.
• Experience with HE software and platforms such as Microsoft Office and Dynamic Forms.
• Data management and analytics.
• Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident.

Responsibilities

• Advise F-1 students on eligibility, application procedures, and timelines for Post-Completion OPT and STEM OPT extensions.
• Conduct individual and group advising sessions on employment authorization regulations, reporting requirements, and travel considerations.
• Provide guidance on maintaining lawful F-1 status during post-completion employment periods.
• Educate students and employers on STEM OPT training plan requirements (Form I-983).
• Issue OPT and STEM OPT I-20 recommendations in compliance with DHS and SEVP regulations.
• Update and maintain accurate student records in SEVIS.
• Monitor employment reporting, unemployment limits, and validation requirements for OPT/STEM OPT participants.
• Ensure institutional compliance with federal immigration reporting standards.
• Review and process OPT and STEM OPT requests, including I-765 support documentation.
• Verify eligibility and supporting documentation for post-completion work authorization.
• Track deadlines and ensure timely submission of required SEVIS updates and reports.
• Coordinate with other DSOs and ISSS staff to maintain workflow efficiency.
• Communicate with employers regarding STEM OPT training plan requirements and compliance expectations.
• Collaborate with on-campus departments to support experiential learning pathways.
• Conduct workshops, orientations, and informational sessions to help international students understand and comply with immigration rules and regulations.
• Develop informational materials and digital resources for students and advisors.
• Stay current on federal immigration policy updates affecting F-1 employment authorization.
• Participate in orientation programs, workshops, and information sessions to help international students understand and comply with immigration rules and regulations.

Skills

Immigration advising

F1 regulations

Terra Dotta

Communication skills

Data management

Independent work

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Dynamic Forms

Job description

San Marcos, TX

Texas State University

Immigration Advisor

Posting Number: 2026766

Location: San Marcos

Department: International Affairs

Recruitment Type: Open Recruiting

Job Type: Full-Time

Monthly Salary: $4,002 - $4,120

Job Category: Exempt

Required Qualifications:

• Experience advising students in a university context.
• Experience researching and interpreting complex rules andregulations.
• F1 immigration regulations
• Demonstrated effective communication skills with attention todetail.
• Knowledge of the Terra Dotta database
• Effective problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Ability to work in a fast pace and complex environment.
• Experience with HE software and platforms such as MicrosoftSuite and Dynamic Forms.
• Data management and analytics.
• Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree

Job Description:

The Immigration Advisor, DSO, provides immigration advising andregulatory support to F-1 students on Pre-Completion OPT,Post-Completion OPT, and STEM OPT, ensuring compliance with SEVPand DHS regulations. The role issues OPT/STEM OPT I-20recommendations, maintains accurate SEVIS records, monitorsemployment reporting and eligibility requirements, and advisesstudents and employers on work authorization, status maintenance,and Form I-983 compliance. It also processes OPT/STEM OPT requests,conducts workshops and outreach, and supports institutionalcompliance with federal immigration regulations. This role reportsto the Senior Immigration Advisor.

Job Duties:

• Advise F-1 students on eligibility, application procedures, andtimelines for Post-Completion OPT and STEM OPT extensions
• Conduct individual and group advising sessions on employmentauthorization regulations, reporting requirements, and travelconsiderations
• Provide guidance on maintaining lawful F-1 status duringpost-completion employment periods
• Educate students and employers on STEM OPT training plan (FormI-983) requirements
• Issue OPT and STEM OPT I-20 recommendations in compliance withDHS and SEVP regulations
• Update and maintain accurate student records in SEVIS
• Monitor employment reporting, unemployment limits, and validationrequirements for OPT/STEM OPT participants
• Ensure institutional compliance with federal immigrationreporting standards
• Review and process OPT and STEM OPT requests, including I-765support documentation
• Verify eligibility and supporting documentation forpost-completion work authorization
• Track deadlines and ensure timely submission of required SEVISupdates and reports
• Coordinate with other DSOs and ISSS staff to maintain workflowefficiency
• Communicate with employers regarding STEM OPT training planrequirements and compliance expectations
• Collaborate with on-campus departments to support experientiallearning pathways
• Conduct workshops, orientations, and presentations on OPT/STEMOPT processes
• Develop informational materials and digital resources forstudents and advisors
• Stay current on federal immigration policy updates affecting F-1employment authorization
• Participate in orientation programs, workshops, and informationalsessions to help international students understand and comply withimmigration rules and regulations.

Job Open Date: 09/01/2026

Job Close Date: 09/09/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Normal Work Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

Normal Work Hours Start: 8:00AM

Normal Work Hours End: 5:00PM

Legal and Required Notices:

Texas State University is committed to a policy ofnon-discrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardlessof race, sex, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age,marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basisprotected by federal or state law in employment, educationalprograms, and activities and admissions.

Employment with Texas State University is contingent upon theoutcome of record checks and verifications including, but notlimited to, criminal history, driving records, education records,employment verifications, reference checks, and employmenteligibility verifications.

In accordance with federal law, all new employees must complete theForm I-9 and provide acceptable documentation verifying their identity andauthorization to work in the United States. Texas State Universityparticipates in E-Verify, and employment is contingent upon thesuccessful verification of work authorization. Employees arerequired to maintain valid work authorization to satisfy theconditions of Form I9 at all times during their employment and theuniversity makes no implicit or explicit promises to financiallysupport visa or permanent residency applications.

About Texas State and San Marcos:

Texas State University is a emerging research institution locatedin the burgeoning Austin-San Antonio corridor and in the beautifulTexas Hill Country. It is the largest of eight campuses in theTexas State University System and one of the 75 largestuniversities in the country, with over 38,000 students andapproximately 4,000 faculty and staff

Texas State is located in San Marcos, a growing community of over50,000 people located about half way between Austin and SanAntonio. Texas State enjoys a setting that is unique among Texasuniversities. The beauty of the crystal-clear San Marcos River andthe stately cypress and pecan trees on the campus add to the charmof the university's picturesque setting. Our location on the banksof the San Marcos River provides outdoor recreational activitiesthroughout the year.

Why work @ Texas State?

• Amazing health insurance: various coverage options starting yourfirst day of employment for full-time employees with Texas Statepaying 100% of the employee premium and 50% for yourdependents!
• Generous paid time off: vacation, holidays, sick days and manymore!
• Excellent work life balance resources: mother and family-friendlyresources in addition to a comprehensive FREE wellnessprogram
• Great professional development opportunities: choose from avariety of workshops, training, online learning and even accesseducational leave opportunities and reimbursement for academiccourses
• An inclusive Bobcat community: join our many social networksoffered on and off-campus
• Retirement peace of mind: TRS pension, retirement plans andvoluntary saving options with generous employer contributions

By joining the Texas State Bobcat team, you'll be a part of one ofthe most beautiful, diverse, and growing universities in thenation.