Immigration Specialist I

Texas A&M University System; College Station (TX); On-site; USD 39,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas A&M University, College Station, is seeking an Immigration Specialist I in the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office. The role focuses on providing immigration services to F-1 and J-1 students and scholars, their families, faculty, staff, and external partners, including processing requests and offering guidance.

The position requires face-to-face service, adherence to HIPAA/FERPA, and willingness to travel or work evenings as needed.

Responsibilities

• Processes immigration documents and requests for F-1 and J-1 students and scholars.
• Provides immigration advising to prospective, current, and former ISSS clientele.
• Assists with training and staying updated on federal/state regulations and ISSS policies.

Job description

Immigration Specialist I

Agency: Texas A&M University

Department: International Student and Scholar Services

Job Type: Staff

Proposed Minimum Salary: $3,791.67 monthly

Job Location: College Station, Texas

Job Description

International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) is seeking an Immigration Specialist I to provide immigration services to ISSS clientele, including prospective, current, and former F-1 and J-1 international stakeholders, along with their family members, A&M faculty and staff, as well as community members and government representatives. This essential role in the ISSS office will primarily support our international population by processing requests and advising. We are seeking an experienced professional to provide thorough, accurate, and timely service related to immigration and other matters. We are looking for an individual who demonstrates teamwork and respect for people in all interactions with internal and external clientele.

What You Need to Know

Salary: Compensation will be commensurate to the selected hire's experience.

Other Requirements and Factors

• Must be able to work from the office and provide face‑to‑face customer service with ISSS clientele.
• Must be able to lift, move, or carry individual documents and paper boxes as part of the records retention process.
• U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident as required by federal regulations for certification as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).
• Must be willing to work some evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be willing to work on and off campus.
• Required to handle protected health information (PHI) as defined by HIPAA regulations in accordance with Texas A&M System policy.
• Required to complete HIPAA training as a condition of employment, within a reasonable timeframe after the individual's hire date, and on an as‑needed basis thereafter.
• Travel may be required.

Essential Duties/Tasks

Document Processing

• Supports international students and scholars through the processing of immigration documents and requests.
• Serves as Designated School Official (DSO) with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) with the U.S. Department of State.
• Maintains international student and scholar records, handles confidential (FERPA and HIPAA‑protected) information, and navigates intricate immigration matters with multiple deadlines involved.
• Produces accurate and efficient document processing within office processing timelines and in compliance with regulations.

Advising and Customer Service

• Supports prospective, current, and former international students, scholars, and their dependents through the delivery of immigration advising.
• Advises accurately and efficiently via email, phone, front counter, virtual‑drop‑in advising, and appointments.
• Provides limited assistance with student and scholar emergencies as needed.
• Triages and escalates complex matters to the appropriate staff member and/or supervisor as needed.
• Provides information and advising to Texas A&M departments and external agencies related to immigration matters.
• Exercises independent judgement to resolve problems regarding international student and scholar records.
• Communicates verbally and in writing.

Training and Professional Development

• Learns, maintains knowledge, and keeps abreast of applicable Federal, State, University, and ISSS regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Actively participates in internal and external training to advance knowledge, particularly with respect to immigration document processing and advising for international students and scholars.
• Assists with the review, revision, and interpretation of complex rules, regulations, procedures, and policies relating to immigration.
• Researches and references internal policies and procedures, the NAFSA Adviser's Manual, as well as federal government regulations and guidance when processing documents and advising students and scholars.

Office Representation and Travel

Represents ISSS as needed in some capacity, such as by giving presentations, helping with Q&A during events, serving as office liaison to other units, representing the office on committees, or by traveling to meetings, conferences, or other campuses. Assists as needed with projects designed to support the needs of the office and/or international students and scholars. Serves as a liaison for international students and scholars to campus departments, community members, and other organizations. Travels occasionally off campus to fulfill office busi