J-1 Visa & SEVIS Specialist for Exchange Programs

Cultural Vistas; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cultural Vistas in Washington, DC seeks a Visa Specialist to manage the J-1 visa sponsorship process for roughly 3,000 participants annually across Intern/Trainee, Teach and Research Scholar programs. You will guide host companies and participants, ensure compliance with DHS SEVIS requirements, and maintain accurate records.

The role requires strong attention to detail, excellent communication with sponsors and attorneys, and the ability to prioritize in a fast-paced, client-focused environment.

Qualifications

• We’re looking for the right candidate with a Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Minimum of 2-4 years of administrative support, customer service, or program management experience required.
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, analytical thinking and presentation skills.
• Ability to represent the organization professionally in meetings, events, calls with various stakeholders.
• Effective written and verbal communication with supervisors, colleagues, external stakeholders and people of diverse backgrounds.
• High level of customer service orientation.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, organize, and meet deadlines.
• Attention to detail for records and compliance with internal policies.
• Demonstrated proactive, flexible, inventive approach.
• Collaborative team player with a commitment to professional development.
• Interest in cultural exchange and mission of Cultural Vistas.

Responsibilities

• Manage the application process for host companies and participants.
• Evaluate visa sponsorship to ensure J-1 compliance and CV policies.
• Ensure robust training opportunities aligned with participants' experience.
• Develop training plans describing program goals and objectives.
• Monitor SEVIS deadlines and maintain accurate records.
• Serve as Alternate Responsible Officer for SEVIS visa sponsorship documents.
• Monitor SEVIS reports and participant arrival information.
• Prioritize tasks to meet deadlines in a high-volume, client-focused environment.
• Send invoices and track payments.
• Conduct local site visits to ensure program compliance and promote Cultural Vistas' services.

Skills

Administrative support

Customer service

Program management

Critical thinking

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Presentation skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Multi-tasking

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Salesforce

CMS

SEVIS

Job description

Cultural Vistas in Washington, DC seeks a Visa Specialist to manage the J-1 visa sponsorship process for roughly 3,000 participants annually across Intern/Trainee, Teach and Research Scholar programs. You will guide host companies and participants, ensure compliance with DHS SEVIS requirements, and maintain accurate records.

The role requires strong attention to detail, excellent communication with sponsors and attorneys, and the ability to prioritize in a fast-paced, client-focused environment.