University Counselor I/II

Wayne State University; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayne State University in Detroit seeks a University Counselor I/II to provide immigration advising for international students and scholars, and to serve as DSO/ARO, ensuring SEVIS/USCIS compliance.

The role includes counseling on CPT/OPT, preparing I-20s/DS-2019s, and collaborating with legal and academic partners. A related bachelor’s or master’s degree is required, with at least one year of experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of professional experience in international student/advisor roles.
• Strong knowledge of current U.S. immigration laws and procedures (F-1, J-1, H-1B).
• Experience with SEVIS and immigration petition preparation in higher education preferred.

Responsibilities

• Advise F-1 and J-1 students and scholars on status, travel, and employment authorization.
• Issue and maintain I-20s and DS-2019s; maintain immigration records.
• Prepare and file H-1B petitions; coordinate with immigration attorney.
• Serve as DSO for F-1 and ARO for J-1 as required.
• Provide orientations and workshops for international students and staff.

Skills

Immigration advising

International student advising

F-1/J-1 knowledge

USCIS/SEVIS familiarity

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in related field

Tools

SEVIS

Job description

University Counselor I/II

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced University Counselor I/II at its Detroit campuslocation. Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university locatedin the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from allbackgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Ourdeep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity,diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educationalopportunities which prepare students for success in a globalsociety.

Essential functions (job duties)

• Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) for F-1 studentsand an Alternative Responsible Officer (ARO) for J-1 exchangevisitors, ensuring compliance with federal immigration regulationsand SEVIS requirements.
• Issue and maintain Form I-20s and DS-2019s and ensure accurateand timely maintenance of student and scholar immigrationrecords.
• Provide comprehensive immigration advising to F-1 and J-1students and scholars on maintaining status, travel, employmentauthorization, program changes, dependents, and other immigrationmatters.
• Advise students and scholars on complex immigration mattersinvolving federal regulations, University policies, and individualcircumstances.
• Counsel F-1 students regarding CPT, OPT, STEM OPT, on-campusemployment, and other employment-related requirements.
• Counsel J-1 scholars regarding employment authorization,program requirements, status maintenance, and applicable Departmentof State regulations.
• Prepare and file H-1B petitions on behalf of eligibleUniversity employees and scholars, ensuring compliance withapplicable USCIS requirements and deadlines.
• Coordinate with the University Immigration Attorney onpermanent residence matters, including preparation and coordinationof University-sponsored employment-based permanent residencepetitions.
• Review immigration applications, petitions, supportingdocumentation, and requests for accuracy, completeness, andregulatory compliance.
• Interpret and apply complex and frequently changing regulationsand guidance issued by USCIS, DHS, SEVP, and the Department ofState.
• Monitor federal regulatory and policy changes and assess theirimpact on University students, scholars, employees, and OISSoperations.
• Identify potential immigration compliance issues and provideappropriate guidance, escalation, and resolution in consultationwith OISS leadership and legal counsel when necessary.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure timely reporting andupdates in SEVIS and other University systems.
• Collaborate with academic departments, Human Resources,faculty, administrators, and other University offices to resolveimmigration, employment, and compliance matters.
• Provide individual advising through appointments, email,telephone, and other communication channels while managing a highvolume of inquiries and cases.
• Conduct orientations, workshops, presentations, and trainingprograms for international students, scholars, faculty, staff, andUniversity departments.
• Develop and maintain immigration advising materials,communications, webpages, presentations, and other resources toensure accurate dissemination of regulatory information.
• Support the recruitment, enrollment, retention, and academicsuccess of international students and scholars through timely andeffective advising and support services.
• Participate in the development and implementation of OISSpolicies, procedures, and processes in response to changes infederal regulations and University priorities.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise professional judgmentwhen handling sensitive immigration, employment, academic, andpersonal information.
• Participate in professional development and maintain currentknowledge of international education practices and federalimmigration regulations.
• Perform other related duties and special projects assigned byOISS leadership.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s (Level 1) or Master’s (Level II) degree in internationalstudies, international education, social sciences, counseling, or arelated field from an accredited college or university. Candidateswith an equivalent combination of education and relevantprofessional experience may be considered.

Experience

Requires a minimum of one year of professional experience ininternational student and/or scholar advising, immigrationadvising, or a closely related field. Demonstrated knowledge ofcurrent U.S. immigration laws, regulations, and proceduresgoverning F-1, J-1, H-1B, and employment-based permanent residenceis required. Experience with SEVIS, immigration petitionpreparation, and advising within a higher education environment isstrongly preferred.

School/College/Division

H92 - VP Student Affairs

Primary department

H9209 - International Students & Scholars (H9209)

Employment type

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Academic/Faculty

Funding/salary information

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
• Hourly rate:
• Salary minimum: TBD
• Salary hire maximum: TBD

Working conditions

Office environment

Job openings

• Number of openings: 1
• Reposted position: No
• Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
• Prior posting/requisition number:

Background check requirements

University policy requires certain persons who are offeredemployment to undergo a background check, including a criminalhistory check, before starting work. If you are offered employment,the university will inform you if a background check isrequired.