Immigration Specialist I (F-1 Advisor/Designated School Official (DSO)

University of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Florida in Gainesville seeks an Immigration Specialist I (F-1 Advisor/DSO) to manage Form I-20 processing, advise students on maintaining F-1 status, and ensure regulatory compliance.

The role includes serving as a DSO, reporting to ICE/DHS/SEVP, collaborating with campus offices, conducting outreach, and supporting immigration operations across departments. Bachelor’s degree and FERPA training are required or preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher is required.
• Master's degree is preferred.
• FERPA training is desirable.
• Experience with immigration regulations is essential.

Responsibilities

• Process I-20 forms for F-1 students and verify financial docs.
• Advise on maintaining F-1 status, enrollment, and eligibility.
• Maintain audit-ready immigration records per ICE/DHS/SEVP.
• Serve as DSO for assigned caseload and back up others.
• Coordinate SEVIS reporting and ensure deadlines.
• Provide immigration guidance to departments and partners.
• Support outreach, workshops, and orientation materials.
• Assist with front-desk coverage and office operations.

Skills

Detail-Oriented

Effective Communicator

Culturally Sensitive

Empathetic

Resourceful

Organized

Technologically Proficient

Adaptable

Reliable

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

FERPA training

Job description

Classification Title: Immigration Specialist I (F-1 Advisor/Designated School Official (DSO)

Classification Minimum Requirements: Must meet federal eligibility requirements to serve as a Designated School Official (DSO): https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/schools/get-started/designated-school-official

Job Description

Form I-20 Processing, Student Advising & Compliance

Serve as a primary processor of initial and transfer-in Forms I-20 for F-1 international students at the University of Florida. Review financial documentation to determine eligibility and issue accurate Forms I-20 through SEVIS. Maintain complete, audit-ready immigration records and ensure compliance with federal regulations established by ICE, DHS, and SEVP.

Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) and F-1 International Student Adviser for an assigned caseload and backing-up as needed on other caseloads. Advise students on maintaining F-1 status, including enrollment requirements, reduced course loads, program extensions, training and employment eligibility, travel, and related regulatory matters. Apply federal regulations and institutional policies to support student success while mitigating institutional risk. Maintain secure and compliant immigration records in accordance with federal and university policies.

Government & Institutional Liaison; SEVIS Reporting

Act as liaison with federal agencies including ICE, DHS, SEVP, CBP, and USCIS. Ensure timely and accurate SEVIS reporting of enrollment, employment, program changes, and status updates. Maintain compliance with federal reporting deadlines and audit standards.

Data & Team Support

Assist with SEVIS alerts, compliance monitoring, and institutional reporting. Collaborate with colleagues to resolve complex cases, improve processes, and provide cross-coverage during peak periods.

Departmental Consultation

Provide immigration guidance to academic departments and campus partners regarding F-1 training & employment eligibility, enrollment impacts, and immigration implications of academic actions. Communicate regulatory updates and institutional procedures.

Outreach

Support development and delivery of workshops, orientation programming, and educational materials related to F-1 regulations.

Campus Involvement

Represent International Student Services through active participation in campus engagement initiatives. Co-present at new student orientations, departmental meetings, and informational workshops to provide guidance on immigration processes and compliance requirements. Participate in tabling events and partner-sponsored activities across campus to promote services, foster collaboration, and support the university’s international student community.

Other Duties As Assigned

Provide operational support to ensure continuity of services, including backup phone and front desk coverage as needed. Perform additional duties to support office operations and team objectives.

Eligibility

Must meet federal eligibility requirements to serve as a Designated School Official (DSO): https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/schools/get-started/designated-school-official

Expected Salary

$20.00-$22.00/hour

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and one year of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred

EDUCATION & TRAINING

• Bachelor's or Master's degree
• Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) training

Experience

• Experience with immigration regulations
• Experience with UF rules and regulations

Knowledge

• F-1 Visa Status Regulations as governed by ICE, DHS, SEVP, USCIS.

Skills

• Detail-Oriented, Effective Communicator, Culturally Sensitive, Empathetic, Resourceful, Organized, Technologically Proficient, Adaptable, Reliable

Health Assessment Required: No

This position is eligible for Veteran’s preference.