Immigration Advisor

Florida State University; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Florida State University is seeking an Immigration Advisor in Tallahassee, FL to provide immigration-related services for international students in F-1 status. The role requires DHS Designated School Official duties and regular SEVIS updates, with interaction across campus and external partners.

A Bachelor’s degree plus experience, or a combination meeting six years, is required; U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 2 years of experience; or high school diploma with 6 years of experience.
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident due to federal SEVIS requirements.

Responsibilities

• Advise international students in F-1 status and manage immigration records.
• Administer SEVIS updates and Sunapsis entries to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Deliver trainings/workshops on Optional Practical Training (OPT) and participate in orientations.
• Collaborate with campus partners to support international students and data accuracy.

Skills

DSO experience

Multilingual ability

Strong written communication

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

High school diploma

Tools

SEVIS

Sunapsis

Terra Dotta

Job description

Job Title: Immigration Advisor

Location: Tallahassee, FL

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Job ID: 63660

Department: The Center for Global Engagement

Responsibilities

This position will provide immigration-related services and advise international students enrolled in F-1 status. Serve as a Department of Homeland Security Designated School Official regularly submitting updates to the federal immigration (SEVIS) database to comply with regulatory reporting responsibilities and to authorize or recommend immigration benefits. Interpret and apply federal immigration regulations to support students in their maintenance of lawful F-1 status. Effectively use the Sunapsis database to ensure accurate immigration-related records. Assist and guide students with solving problems and identifying resources. Work closely with academic departments, university Human Resources, and other units throughout FSU.

• Engage in extensive and frequent communication by phone, Teams/Zoom, email and in-person with enrolled international students in F-1 status, other CGE team members, FSU faculty and staff, community, employers, and representatives of government agencies on issues related to federal F-1 immigration regulations (e.g. enrollment, graduation, transfer/change of level, employment authorization, extension of stay, etc.), general immigration laws that impact students in F-1 status (e.g. registration documentation, address reporting, international travel, change of status, etc.), and other state and federal policies. Help create supportive environment for international students. Work closely with academic departments, Admissions, Registrar, Student Finance, Division of Student Affairs departments, and other partners across campus. Hold multiple roles in FSU databases, with access to input and change visa codes, place and remove holds, view basic admissions information, student account information, student addresses, and student enrollment information, etc. Participate in the development and testing of new electronic forms developed by the Program Director for Data and Compliance, recommend updates to current forms and form communication, and provide feedback on data feed and data extract issues.
• Access daily the federal government immigration (SEVIS) database and Sunapsis to enter determinations regarding continuing eligibility for F-1 status, process employment authorizations (Curricular Practical Training) or recommendations (Optional Practical Training), update academic program changes, transfer immigration records to other U.S. institutions, and submit other required updates within regulatory reporting periods. Maintain accurate background information and documentation in Sunapsis to support the submitted SEVIS updates as required by regulations. Monitor daily auto-assigned cases in Sunapsis to identify immigration status issues and to review and process submitted electronic forms. Use Sunapsis communication tools to contact students regarding their cases to ensure consistent advising.
• Deliver regular Optional Practical Training workshops in person and via Zoom in rotation with other CGE advisors. Participate in new international student orientations each semester by giving presentations, checking students in, and/or guiding short tours. Play a role in the semesterly ACIREMA interactive simulation activity for the university community. Assist with developing and providing additional presentations and workshops for international students and the FSU community. Attend trainings offered by Undergraduate Advising, Human Resources, Research Compliance, and other areas. Contribute to CGE assessment efforts as needed.
• Participate in major CGE events and programs. Serve on DSA and/or CGE committees as needed. Provide back-up support to other advisors and to front desk. Participate in professional associations for international educators. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree and two years of experience; or a high school diploma or equivalent and six years of experience. (Note: a combination of post high school education and experience equal to six years.)
• Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident due to federal SEVIS database requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in international affairs, higher education, or closely related field.
• Experience as a Designated School Official and/or Alternate Responsible Officer using SEVIS regularly.
• Experience using Sunapsis, Terra Dotta, or other case management software.
• Ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy and efficiency.
• Experience presenting information in one-on-one, small group, and large group settings both in-person and online.
• Evidence of strong professional writing skills and ability to analyze complex information.
• Experience living, studying, or working abroad and knowledge of a second language.

University Information

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news! Learn more about Florida State University and our campuses.

Anticipated Salary Range

Starting in the high $40,000’s to low $50,000’s, commensurate with education and experience.

FSU Total Rewards

FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our FSU Total Rewards website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs. Use our FSU Total Compensation Calculator to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.

Considerations

This is an A&P position.

This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check. This position is being advertised as open until filled. Review of applicants will begin on October 16, 2026.

Equal Employment Opportunity

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.