International Student and Scholar Advisor

George Washington University; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Tuition benefits

Well-being programs

Job summary

The International Services Office at George Washington University seeks an International Student and Scholar Advisor to manage F-1 and J-1 immigration responsibilities. You will sign immigration forms, issue I-20s/DS-2019s, advise on immigration matters, and support orientation and onboarding for international students and scholars.

Ideal candidates will hold a Bachelor's degree, have strong English and cross-cultural skills, and experience with SEVIS and higher education advising.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization. Degree conferred by the start date.
• Ability to work in a complex, fast-paced environment, handle a large workload, and multiple priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written English skills, as well as organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a cross-cultural environment.
• Commitment to client confidentiality and strong service orientation.
• Experience as a PDSO, DSO, RO and/or ARO is desired.
• Significant practical experience with international students and scholar advising (F, J, H-1B) at institutions of higher education is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an official DSO (for F-1 students) and/or ARO (for J-1 exchange visitors).
• Review, process, and issue immigration documents such as I-20s and DS-2019s.
• Recommending changes in practice and policy related to data and record-keeping when appropriate.
• Maintaining appropriate confidential files.
• Assisting in planning and implementing orientation programs for new international students and scholars, including the preparation of pre-arrival information, orientation sessions, and programs to assist students in their ongoing adjustment to the University and to the U.S.
• Oversees the maintenance of student files, ensuring timely and accurate updates to student records in the SEVIS system.

Skills

English proficiency

Cross-cultural communication

Confidentiality & privacy

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in an appropriate field

Tools

SEVIS

Job description

I. JOB OVERVIEW

The International Services Office (ISO) at the George Washington University (GW) facilitates international educational exchange through its services and programs. It serves as the primary administrative, programming, and advising office for the GW international community. GWU ISO is searching for an International Student and Scholar Advisor to carry out F-1 and J-1 immigration responsibilities on behalf of the university, including interpreting and signing required immigration forms for processing school transfers, extensions of non-immigrant stay, employment, academic/practical training, re-entry, and change of immigration status. This position reviews and approves requests for I-20 and DS-2019 forms, monitors the maintenance of student data and records, and tracks and analyzes data sets when needed. This position provides individual and group advising to international students and scholars on immigration, academic, and personal matters. This role also typically assists in planning and implementing orientation programs for new international students and scholars and participates in welcome center check-in, orientation sessions, and programs to assist students in their ongoing adjustment to the university and the U.S. Reporting to the Manager of International Student & Scholar Services, the International Student and Scholar Advisor is responsible for serving as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) in carrying out F-1 and J-1 immigration responsibilities on behalf of the University.

Job responsibilities include:

• Serve as an official DSO (for F-1 students) and/or ARO (for J-1 exchange visitors).
• Review, process, and issue immigration documents such as I-20s and DS-2019s.
• Recommending changes in practice and policy related to data and record-keeping when appropriate.
• Maintaining appropriate confidential files.
• Assisting in planning and implementing orientation programs for new international students and scholars, including the preparation of pre-arrival information, orientation sessions, and programs to assist students in their ongoing adjustment to the University and to the U.S.
• Oversees the maintenance of student files, ensuring timely and accurate updates to student records in the SEVIS system.

Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

• Ability to work in a complex, fast-paced environment, handle a large workload, and handle multiple priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written English skills, as well as organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a cross-cultural environment.
• Commitment to client confidentiality and strong service orientation.
• Experience as a PDSO, DSO, RO and/or ARO is desired.
• Significant practical experience with international students and scholar advising (F, J, H-1B) at institutions of higher education is preferred.

Hiring Range: $44,985.20 - $69,346.27

GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit https://hr.gwu.edu/benefits-programs.

II. JOB DETAILS

Campus Location: Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.

College/School/Department: Academic Affairs

Family: Compliance

Sub-Family: International Services

Stream: Individual Contributor

Level: Level 1

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time

Hours Per Week: 40

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Will this job require the employee to work on site?: Yes

Employee Onsite Status: Hybrid

Telework: Yes

Required Background Check: Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search

Special Instructions to Applicants: Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status

Internal Applicants Only?: No

Posting Number: S014447

Job Open Date: 09/08/2026

Background Screening: Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.