International Student Advisor, Sponsored and General Advising

The University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 47,700 - 58,300; Full time

Job summary

ImmigrationJobs is hiring an International Student Advisor in Austin, Texas. This role requires a Bachelor's degree and three years of experience in international student advising or immigration casework. The advisor will guide international students, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and aiding their integration into campus life.

The position is vital for supporting sponsored and general international student populations at the University of Texas at Austin. Strong communication and customer service skills are essential, along with a commitment to fostering a positive environment for students.

Qualifications

• 3 years of professional experience in international student advising or immigration casework.
• Strong skills in professional communication and public speaking.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Advise international students on immigration and compliance matters.
• Serve as a DSO and ARO.
• Communicate with federal agencies regarding student immigration benefits.

Skills

Intercultural communication

Public speaking

Project organization

Creative problem-solving

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Sunapsis database

Job description

Job Posting Title: International Student Advisor, Sponsored and General Advising

Hiring Department: Global Engagement

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40

FLSA Status: Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date: Immediately

Position Duration: Expected to Continue

Location: UT MAIN CAMPUS

Purpose

To serve as a vital resource for international students, providing expert immigration advising and holistic support that enables their success at the University. As the primary advisor for sponsored students — including those supported by governments, employers, or organizations — you'll help them navigate both complex federal regulations and the compliance obligations set forth by their sponsors. You'll also advise the broader international student population, working collaboratively within the advising team and reporting to the advising team lead in student advising services.

Responsibilities

Student Advising and Support:

• Serve as the dedicated advisor for sponsored students, providing specialized guidance on sponsor compliance requirements, funding conditions, third-party billing, and home institution expectations alongside standard immigration advising
• Provide pre-arrival and arrival immigration guidance to prospective and admitted students across sponsored and general international student populations
• Advise students on work authorizations, immigration document extensions, status maintenance, visa applications, and international travel
• Navigate complex cases involving U.S. Department of Homeland Security and State Department regulations
• Empower student success through comprehensive counseling on university life, community integration, and the American educational experience
• Assist students with practical matters, including finances, transportation, employment, and campus adjustment
• Support high-volume email inquiries through the general team inboxes, collaborating with assistant advisors to ensure timely responses

Immigration Compliance:

• Serve as a DHS Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO)
• Maintain accurate records in SEVIS and university student information systems, ensuring strict compliance with federal regulations
• Process immigration applications and documentation with precision and efficiency
• Communicate directly with federal agencies and sponsors regarding immigration benefits for students
• Contribute actively to building team expertise in immigration regulations and compliance best practices

Communication and Outreach:

• Partner with academic departments and sponsors in consultation with ISSS leadership to enhance support for international students
• Serve as liaison to University offices, advocating effectively for sponsored and general international student populations
• Contribute compelling content for student communications, including emails, webpages, and presentations, while maintaining Texas Global branding standards
• Participate in delivering workshops, orientation sessions, and programming activities that connect the sponsored and general international student populations with the University community

Team and Institutional Support:

• Champion ISSS and Texas Global priorities through active participation in programs and community-building events
• Contribute to innovation through collaborative participation in staff meetings and working groups focused on enhancing service delivery
• Foster a sense of belonging by supporting and staffing programs that connect international students and scholars with each other and the greater University community

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and three years of professional experience in international student advising or immigration casework. Demonstrated ability to implement creative solutions and take initiative while working as part of a team in a fast-paced environment. Strong skills in professional and intercultural communication and public speaking. Proven capability to multitask and keep projects well-organized and on deadline. Strong computer and technological proficiency. Commitment to high-quality and efficient customer service. Equivalent combination or substitution of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate. Important Note: Due to federal database access requirements, only U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents may apply for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

Significant experience advising students on F-1 and J-1 immigration regulations in a university context. Experience as a Designated School Official (DSO and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO)). Experience working with Sunapsis database. Experience advising sponsored students within a university context, including familiarity with sponsor relationships and coordination.

Salary

$53,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

Work in a shared office environment. Work around standard office conditions. This position is located in Austin, Texas.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.