International Student Advisor
University of South Carolina
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
The University of South Carolina seeks an International Student Advisor to guide F-1 and J-1 students on immigration compliance, enrollment, and work authorization. This role collaborates with campus partners to ensure student needs are met.
Ideal candidates bring attention to detail, cultural sensitivity, and proficiency with SEVIS, Banner, and Microsoft Office. A supportive, collaborative environment and professional development opportunities are offered.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a job related field and 2+ years of related experience.
- Experience with Banner, Ellucian software and SEVIS databases preferred.
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills in a diverse international student context.
Responsibilities
- Advising: serve as DSO and counsel on immigration compliance for F-1 students.
- Oversee CPT/OPT workshops and STEM OPT reporting processes.
- Support sponsored international students and coordinate with campus partners.
- Assist with J-1 visa advising and related regulatory tasks.
- Collaborate with office staff on projects aligned with department mission.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by September 23, 2026.
The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
- Health and Life Insurance
- Retirement Programs
- Paid Tuition
- 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Monday through Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm
- Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.
Basis
Basis 12 months
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service - helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
The International Student Advisor position is a key part of Global Carolina’s International Student and Scholar Support Office. This position serves as the primary advisor to the F-1 and J-1 international student population on the subjects of maintaining immigration compliance. This includes advisement on topics such as international travel, full-time enrollment, work authorization, and program extensions. In addition to student advising, the International Student Advisor will focus on employment authorization education through the facilitation of employment workshops and will liaise with campus partners to ensure that international student needs are being met.
This position is an ideal fit for someone who displays a high level of cultural sensitivity as well as has the ability to work with detailed immigration federal immigration regulations.
- Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 2 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.
- Familiarity with Banner, Ellucian software and SEVIS federal databases
- Strong communication skills (listening, speaking, writing)
- Problem-solving abilities to work with diverse faculty/staff clientele and diverse international student population of a predominantly non-native English-speaking population
- Proficiency in MS Word and Outlook, with a strong working knowledge of Excel.
- Proficient in MS Excel and database management software
- Strong word processing skills
- Ability to coordinate and prioritize competing tasks
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with the general public and to work as a team member
- Ability to deal effectively with the public in handling inquiries and the ability to communicate effectively with a culturally-diverse clientele
Job Duty Advising: Serves as integral part of the F-1 advising team. Serves as Designated School Official ( DSO ) with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.Communicates effectively and consults with other advisors to ensure consistent advising. Processes program extension applications, CPT applications, OPT applications, and other immigration advising and processing needs based on knowledge of federal, state, and institutional policies. Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 35
Job Duty Employment Authorization Management: Oversees the planning and implementation of CPT and OPT workshops. Serves as the main point of contact for STEM OPT reporting. Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 20
Job Duty Sponsored Student Support: Serves as primary advisor for prospective, incoming, and current sponsored international students providing information about the university, the admissions process, advising on immigration compliance, programming coordination, and opportunities for engagement on campus and in the community. Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 15
Job Duty J-1 Student Visa Advisor: Serves as Alternate Responsible Officer ( ARO ) with U.S. Department of State. Serves as primary advisor for J-1 student visa needs. Works with Assistant Director to support other J-1 visa holders on an as-needed basis. Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 15
Job Duty Team Support and Management: Assists office staff with a variety of collaborative projects related to international students and affiliates at the university and the strategic goals and mission of the department. Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 15
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing. Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive No Hazardous weather category
Job Open Date 09/16/2026
09/23/2026
No
Number of Vacancies 1
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * Do you have a bachelor's degree in a job related field and 2 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience?
- Yes
- No
- * This position requires access to Department of Homeland Security databases, which necessitates this employee to either be a U.S. legal permanent resident or U.S. citizen. Are you a U.S. legal permanent resident or U.S. citizen?
- Yes
- No
- * Have you ever worked or studied abroad?
- Yes
- No
- * Have you ever worked in a university international office, an immigration law office or other agency where you were required to do regulatory tracking, analysis and advising?
- Yes
- No
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- List of References and Contact Information
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