Immigration Advisor (Two Positions Available)

Cornell University; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 41,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care options

Retirement contributions

Wellness programs

Employee discounts

Job summary

Cornell University is seeking two Immigration Advisors to join our International Services team. You will advise international students on F-1 and J-1 regulations, review immigration documents, and help maintain lawful status while pursuing studies.

The role includes in-person and virtual meetings, extensive training, and collaboration with campus partners to ensure accurate guidance and exceptional student service. Opportunities for career growth are emphasized.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or equivalent education and work experience.
• Minimum of four years’ experience in student services, teaching, counseling, overseas development work, or a closely related field.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Empathy, active listening and outstanding customer service.
• Sound judgment and ability to apply policies consistently.
• Ability to establish professional boundaries and collaborate effectively.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to cultivate inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff and community.

Responsibilities

• Advise international students regarding F-1 and J-1 immigration regulations.
• Review requests and immigration documentation for accuracy and compliance.
• Assist students with maintaining lawful immigration status throughout their academic journey.
• Meet with students through in-person and virtual appointments.
• Respond to inquiries from students, academic departments, advisors, and campus partners.
• Maintain accurate case records and documentation in university systems.
• Interpret and apply federal regulations, university policies, and established procedures.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues to ensure consistent and accurate guidance.
• Participate in professional development and immigration-related training opportunities.
• Contribute to a highly supportive team environment focused on student success.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Time management

Verbal communication

Written communication

Empathy

Active listening

Collaboration

Confidentiality

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

Tools

PeopleSoft

Microsoft Office

Job description

About The Department

The Office of Global Learning supports Cornell's vibrant international community by helping students navigate complex immigration regulations and maintain their visa status while pursuing their academic goals. Our team is committed to delivering exceptional service, accurate guidance, and compassionate support to thousands of international students from around the world.

About The Department

The Office of Global Learning supports Cornell's vibrant international community by helping students navigate complex immigration regulations and maintain their visa status while pursuing their academic goals. Our team is committed to delivering exceptional service, accurate guidance, and compassionate support to thousands of international students from around the world.

The Opportunity

Do you enjoy helping others navigate complex processes while making a meaningful impact on their lives?

Cornell University is seeking two Immigration Advisors to join our highly respected and collaborative International Services team. These positions offer a unique opportunity to partner with international students, helping them understand immigration regulations, maintain legal status, and successfully pursue their educational goals.

We Are Hiring For

• One ongoing, continuing position
• One 12-month term appointment, with the potential for extension based on business needs and funding approvals

Whether you bring prior immigration experience or have a strong background in higher education, student services, advising, customer service, or case management, we welcome candidates who are eager to learn, highly detail-oriented, and committed to supporting student success.

This role offers extensive training, mentorship from experienced professionals, and the opportunity to develop a specialized skill set that can grow into a rewarding long-term career.

What You’ll Do

• Advise international students regarding F-1 and J-1 immigration regulations.
• Review requests and immigration documentation for accuracy and compliance.
• Assist students with maintaining lawful immigration status throughout their academic journey.
• Meet with students through in-person and virtual appointments.
• Respond to inquiries from students, academic departments, advisors, and campus partners.
• Maintain accurate case records and documentation in university systems.
• Interpret and apply federal regulations, university policies, and established procedures.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues to ensure consistent and accurate guidance.
• Participate in professional development and immigration-related training opportunities.
• Contribute to a highly supportive team environment focused on student success.

What We Need

• Associate’s degree or equivalent education and work experience required.
• Minimum of four years’ experience in student services, teaching, counseling, overseas development work, or a closely related field.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• The ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Empathy, active listening skills, and commitment to outstanding customer service.
• Sound judgment and the ability to apply policies consistently.
• The confidence to establish and maintain professional boundaries when necessary.
• Strong collaboration skills and a willingness to seek guidance and ask questions.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

It Would Be a Bonus if You Have Any of the Following

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience advising international students.
• Knowledge of F-1 and/or J-1 immigration regulations.
• Designated School Official (DSO) experience.
• Experience working in a college or university setting.
• Familiarity with PeopleSoft or other student information systems.
• Experience preparing presentations, reports, or training materials.
• Advanced skills with Microsoft Office applications.

Rewards And Benefits

Cornell received national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.

• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.
• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell
• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell
• Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: Total Rewards | Working at Cornell.

University Job Title

Student Services Asst V

Job Family

Student Services

Level

E

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Range

$29.45 - $31.66

Remote Option Availability

Onsite

Contact Name

Shallena Cunningham

Contact Email

[e-mail]

Job Titles And Pay Ranges

Non-Union Positions

Noted Pay Ranges Reflect The Potential Pay Opportunity For Each Job Profile. The Hiring Rate Of Pay For The Successful Candidate Will Be Determined Considering The Following Criteria

• Prior relevant work or industry experience
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position
• Unique applicable skills
• Academic Discipline

To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

Current Employees

If you currently work at Cornell University, please exit this website and log in to Workday using your Net ID and password. Select the Career icon on your Home dashboard to view jobs at Cornell.

Employment Assistance

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email [e-mail].

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice [phone], or email at [e-mail].

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing [e-mail].

EEO Statement

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.