International Student & Scholar Advisor

Uniglobalcareers; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Northeastern University in Arlington, VA seeks an International Student & Scholar Advisor (ISSA) to serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for F-1 and J-1 students and scholars, and their dependents. The role delivers accurate nonimmigrant guidance and coordinates with campus partners to maintain status and offer student-centered services.

The ISSA collaborates with OGS leadership to develop programs, provide orientations, and ensure compliance with

Responsibilities

• Advise, counsel, and assist F-1 students, J-1 students, and J-1 scholars to ensure maintenance of nonimmigrant status, employment authorization, and successful acculturation.
• Create, update, and maintain student and scholar records in SEVIS, including reportable events, as required by federal regulations.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal regulations, SEVIS procedures, Northeastern academic policies, and OGS policies and procedures to provide timely and comprehensive advising.
• Provide guidance to Northeastern academic departments and key contacts on regulatory requirements, institutional policies, and OGS policies and procedures.
• Advise students on logistical matters, including obtaining a Social Security number and applying for a U.S. driver's license or state ID.
• Liaise with relevant government agencies, including DHS, SEVP, DOS, CBP, and USCIS, regarding student requests, data corrections, and travel.
• Design and/or deliver regulatory training for students, scholars, and colleagues.
• Communicate with academic and co-op/career advisors to support comprehensive international student advising.
• Collaborate with the OGS student support and programming team on orientation and other programming, including the initial review of F and J regulations with new students.
• Contribute to developing, designing, and implementing programs and systems that support and enrich the

Skills

DSO experience

SEVIS knowledge

student advising

regulatory knowledge

cross-functional collaboration

Job description

United States — International Student Market

1.2M inbound students (2025) +3%

1. India 363K

2. China 266K

3. South Korea 42K

4. Canada 30K

5. Vietnam 26K

9 international branch campuses in United States

This employer operates 3 active branch campuses in 3 countries (since 2008)

About the Opportunity Job Summary: Northeastern University provides immigration advising and support to over 24,000 F-1 and J-1 nonimmigrant international students, scholars, and alumni from 149 countries, making it one of the most globally diverse institutions in the United States. The Office of Global Services (OGS) plays a critical role in supporting this population through immigration advising, compliance, and student-centered services across the university's campuses. Reporting to an Associate Director, Director, or Senior Director within OGS, the International Student & Scholar Advisor (ISSA) serves as a Designated School Official (DSO) and an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO), providing comprehensive nonimmigrant advising to F-1 and J-1 international students and scholars, and their dependents, at Northeastern University. This role delivers accurate and timely information to a diverse range of students and scholars and facilitates support through internal and external departments and staff. The ISSA uses the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to perform functions required by federal regulations, including but not limited to creating Forms I-20/DS-2019, authorizing employment, reporting on student and scholar maintenance of status, and processing changes to student and scholar information. As a member of the OGS team, this ISSA provides support both to their assigned campus location and to other U.S. campuses. In partnership with OGS leadership, the ISSA supports the development of international student and scholar services at the assigned campus location, including advising, orientations, information sessions, and support services grounded in NAFSA best practices, in service of the goal to retain and engage international students in the university community and to create an environment that contributes to student success. The ISSA communicates and coordinates with departments and campus partners at other Northeastern campus locations on cross-campus coordination and general inquiries.

Key responsibilities

Advise, counsel, and assist F-1 students, J-1 students, and J-1 scholars to ensure maintenance of nonimmigrant status, employment authorization, and successful acculturation, academic, social, and personal adjustment. Create, update, and maintain student and scholar records in SEVIS, including reportable events, as required by federal regulations. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal regulations, SEVIS procedures, Northeastern academic policies, and OGS policies and procedures to provide timely and comprehensive advising. Provide guidance to Northeastern academic departments and key contacts on regulatory requirements, institutional policies, and OGS policies and procedures. Advise students on logistical matters, including obtaining a Social Security number and applying for a U.S. driver's license or state ID. Liaise with relevant government agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), the Department of State (DOS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), regarding student requests, data corrections, and travel. Design and/or deliver regulatory training for students, scholars, and colleagues. Communicate with academic and co-op/career advisors to support comprehensive international student advising. Collaborate with the OGS student support and programming team on orientation and other programming, including the initial review of F and J regulations with new students. Contribute to developing, designing, and implementing programs and systems that support and enrich the