International Student Adviser

University of California - Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara (CA); Hybrid; USD 61,530 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full Benefits

Hybrid work after probation

Job summary

University of California - Santa Barbara is seeking an International Student Adviser to assist over 4,000 graduate and undergraduate non-immigrant students with immigration regulations, compliance reporting, and related academic and personal guidance.

The role includes advising on federal regulations, serving as a Designated School Official for F-1 visas, developing programs for international students, and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of visa policies.

Qualifications

• Required Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Strong knowledge of UC student information systems (Gold, BARC, Banner or campus databases).
• Ability to advise international students on immigration regulations and university policies.

Responsibilities

• Advise international students on immigration regulations and compliance requirements.
• Develop programs and workshops to meet international student needs.
• Consult with students, faculty and staff on academic and personal issues relating to immigration status.

Skills

DSO/ARO experience

Immigration procedures

Communication skills

Policy analysis

Advising techniques

Multicultural competencies

Visa knowledge

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

UC student systems

Job description

Job Posting Details

Job ID: 87657

Location: UCSB Campus

Full/Part Time: Full Time

Work Location: Student Resource Building - 3130

Percentage of Time: 100%

Payroll Title: STDT SVC ADVISOR 3 SV (005156)

Job Code: 005156

Job Open Date: 7/21/26

Application Review Begins: 8/5/26

Department Code (Name): INTS (INTERNATION STUDENTS)

Union Code (Name): SV- Student Services and Advising Professionals

Employee Class (Appointment Type): Staff: Career

FLSA Status: Exempt

Classified Indicator Description (Personnel Program): PSS

Salary Grade: STEPS

Pay Rate/Range: The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $61,530.00 to $73,000.00/year. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience; the budget for the position; and the application of fair, equitable, and consistent pay practices at the University. The full salary range for this position is $61,5300.00 to $105,840.00/year.

Working Days and Hours: Monday - Friday 8-5

Benefits Eligibility: Full Benefits

Type of Remote or Hybrid Work Arrangement, if applicable: In-Person position. This position is eligible for Hybrid Work Arrangements following completion of 6-month probation or training period. Agreements will allow up to 1 day remote per work week and is subject to department approval.

Department Marketing Statement

The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) serves the needs of international students and scholars as well as the UCSB community who work with this international population. OISS provides administrative assistance, counseling, advising, and programming to the campus community. The staff meet with students and scholars about immigration, employment, housing, health care, financial concerns, academic problems, travel, and personal issues.

Benefits of Belonging

Working at UC means being part of this vibrant institution that shines a light on what is possible. People make UC great, and UC recognizes your contributions by making this a great place to work. Excellent retirement and health are just one of the rewards. Learn more about the benefits of working at UC

Brief Summary of Job Duties

International Student Adviser An adviser for over 4,000 graduate and undergraduate non-immigrant students. Using advanced knowledge and specialized skills, complete required compliance reporting as dictated by the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State, independently advise students regarding complex federal regulations as well as academic, personal financial and acculturation issues that relate to their immigration status; serve as Designated School Official for F-1 student program and Alternate Responsible Officer for J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. Develop programs and workshops to meet specific needs of international students with a focus on undergraduate degree students. Maintains up to date knowledge of federal laws, regulations pertaining to international students, assist in the development of campus policies and procedures affecting non-immigrant students, and provide information to students, faculty and staff. Interface with the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security and State and other government agencies as well as international education groups.

Required Qualifications

• Required Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Qualifications

• 1-3 years Designated School Official (DSO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) experience.
• 1-3 years Demonstrated proficiency using UC-specific student information systems (such as Gold, BARC, Banner, or campus-specific databases) to verify enrollment, academic standing, and course registration.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes.
• Strong policy analysis techniques.
• Working knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.
• Knowledge of University-specific computer application programs and knowledge of University and departmental principles and procedures involved in risk assessment and evaluating risks as to likelihood and consequences.
• Solid verbal and written communication skills.
• Multicultural competencies; ability to work with diverse populations.
• Knowledge of complex U.S. visa and immigration procedures, compliance issues, and employment eligibility / authorization for international students and scholars.
• Ability in problem identification and reasoning; ability to develop original ideas to solve problems.
• Skills in judgment and decision-making, problem solving, identifying measures of system performance and the actions to improve performance.

Special Conditions of Employment

• Must be a U.S, citizen or permanent resident of the United States in order to be a Designated School Officer or Alternate Responsible Officer for the Department of Homeland Security's SEVIS system.
• Satisfactory criminal history background check
• UCSB is a Tobacco-Free environment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Job Functions and Percentages of Time

• 70% IMMIGRATION COMPLIANCE & INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADVISING - Advise international students in F-1 and J-1 status on complex immigration regulations and other issues as it pertains to their international student status. Complete required compliance reporting to the Department of Homeland Security for F-1 students and the Department of State for J-1 students in the Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Knowledgeable with the Code of Regulations in 8 CFR *214.1 of the Federal Register as it pertain to F-1 student regulations. Assist students with issues pertaining to Consular Visa Processing, Customs & Border Protection, United States Citizenship & Immigration Services, Social Security Administration, Department of Motor Vehicles, and Internal Revenue Service. Independently advises on complex cases and only brings highly specialized cases to supervisor. Stays up to date on changes to immigration policy and best practices in international education. Educates students on F-1 and J-1 employment regulations and counsels students on employment requirements and limitations. Provide general academic advice/assistance within the context of immigration/visa regulations and university policies related to completion of degree requirements, academic probation and disqualification, major/course selection, leave of absences, graduate school admission and other educational issues and goals. Stays up to date with updates to the field by contributing to LA PIER and NAFSA message boards and attending NAFSA Regional and National conferences. Familiar with H-1B visa regulations as it relates to F-1 or J-1 student status and advises accordingly.
• 20% PROGRAMMING & STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES - Develop, implement and evaluate specific programs to support and retain international students with a focus on undergraduate degree students. Develop, adapt and apply cross-cultural models to aid students in: 1) developing personal identity, 2) adjusting to the campus environment, 3) interacting with peer advisors, faculty and staff, and 4) coping with personal issues. Assist in the development, implementation and evaluation of OISS international student orientation programs. Assist in developing and maintaining effective on-campus outreach and marketing efforts by utilizing traditional publication methods and social media. Identifies and contributes articles and relevant information to the department newsletter, website, e-mail and listserv. Develop student potential by involving students in extracurricular activities such as Letters and Science Honors, research opportunities, and internships and other university student development programs. Offer informational workshops on immigration/visa regulations and procedures. Advise and assist student organizations. Counsel and support students about personal concerns, relationship and social issues, financial problems, legal issues. Recognize potential issues more appropriately addressed by other campus departments and facilitate referrals by cultivating student receptivity through orienting students to the procedures and processes of other departments, as well as preparing departments to receive these students. The advisor identifies critical situations involving significant personal and emotional distress and immediately interfaces with appropriate campus professional units in accordance with interdepartmental policies and procedures. Advise and facilitate international student adjustment to the university and American culture. Liaison/advocate on behalf of students with other educational institutions, community and government agencies. Provide information and appropriate referrals to off campus and community resources.
• 10% INTERFACE WITH CAMPUS PARTNERS - Quarterly: Collaborates with campus stakeholders in relation to international student issues; including but not limited to College of Letters & Science, Graduate Division, Office of the Registrar and Counseling and Psychological Services. Advises faculty and campus leadership on international student issues. Annually: Participate in OISS campus workshop.

UC Vaccination Programs Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccinations Programs.

As a condition of Physical Presence at a Location or in a University Program, all Covered Individuals* must participate in any applicable Vaccination Program by providing proof that they are Up-to-Date with any required Vaccines or submitting a request for Exception in a Mandate Program or properly declining vaccination in an Opt-Out Program no later than the Compliance Date (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.). Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

For more information, please visit University of California Policy on Vaccinations - https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy

*Covered Individuals: A Covered Individual includes anyone designated as Personnel or Students under this Policy who physically access a University Facility or Program in connection with their employment, appointment, or education/training. A person accessing a Healthcare Location as a patient, or an art, athletics, entertainment, or other publicly accessible venue at a Location as a member of the public, is not a Covered Individual.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

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