Visa Specialist

Massachusetts General Brigham; Somerville (MA); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Massachusetts General Brigham in Somerville, MA is seeking a Visa Specialist to manage J-1 and H-1B visa requests, guiding departments and international employees through US immigration requirements while ensuring compliance. The role combines administrative support with stakeholder coordination, onboarding through employment, and a hybrid schedule with 3 days onsite at Assembly Row.

Ideal candidates have a bachelor’s degree and 1–2 years in immigration services, with strong organization,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR/International Relations/HE Administration/Business is required or equivalent experience.
• One to two years of experience in immigration services, international education, global mobility, higher education, healthcare, or a related field.
• Experience or knowledge of J-1 and H-1B immigration regulations, policies, and best practices.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to effectively manage multiple cases and competing priorities.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong customer service orientation with a collaborative, solutions-focused approach.
• Sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion when handling confidential information.
• Effective problem-solving skills and initiative.
• Ability to work successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Interest in international programs, employment-based immigration, and supporting a global workforce.

Responsibilities

• Manage and review J-1 visa requests for research fellows and graduate student trainees, ensuring applications meet regulatory requirements and requesting additional information from sponsoring departments when needed.
• Process J-1 amendments, extensions, and internal transfers while maintaining compliance with Department of State regulations.
• Support H-1B sponsorships under the guidance of senior immigration staff by preparing posting notices, filing Labor Condition Applications (LCAs), assembling Form I-129 petitions, and monitoring case progress with USCIS.
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource for departments, international employees, scholars, and trainees by answering questions regarding sponsorship processes, application requirements, travel, processing timelines, and dependent family members.
• Participate in new employee and scholar orientation programs as a presenter on a rotating basis.
• Maintain current knowledge of J-1 and H-1B immigration regulations, policies, and best practices.
• Maintain accurate documentation and case records while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Immigration Services team.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, International Relations, Higher Education Administration, Business Administration, or related field

Job description

Job Description SummaryHelp Advance Healthcare and Research Through Global Talent!

At our organization, groundbreaking research, exceptional patient care, and world-class education are made possible by talented people from around the world. As a Visa Specialist, you will play an essential role in supporting our international workforce by guiding departments and visa holders through the U.S. immigration process while ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
This position is ideal for an organized, customer-focused professional who enjoys managing complex processes, building relationships, and helping international scholars, researchers, physicians, and employees successfully begin or continue their work within our academic medical community.

Why Join Us?

Every visa application you process helps bring exceptional talent to our institution—individuals who contribute to life-changing research, innovative education, and outstanding patient care. As part of our Human Resources Operations team, you'll collaborate with colleagues across the organization while developing specialized expertise in employment-based immigration.

Position Summary

The Visa Specialist manages a caseload of J-1 Exchange Visitor and H-1B employment visa requests, ensuring timely processing and compliance with federal immigration regulations. This role serves as a trusted resource for hiring departments and international visa holders by providing guidance throughout the sponsorship process and supporting a positive experience from onboarding through employment.

Hybrid Schedule

• 3 days onsite at Assembly Row (Somerville) are required
• M-F 8-4:30pm
• This is an administrative support position in a professional office environment. The role requires regular computer use, frequent communication with internal stakeholders and international employees, and the ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and review J-1 visa requests for research fellows and graduate student trainees, ensuring applications meet regulatory requirements and requesting additional information from sponsoring departments when needed.
• Process J-1 amendments, extensions, and internal transfers while maintaining compliance with Department of State regulations.
• Support H-1B sponsorships under the guidance of senior immigration staff by preparing posting notices, filing Labor Condition Applications (LCAs), assembling Form I-129 petitions, and monitoring case progress with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource for departments, international employees, scholars, and trainees by answering questions regarding sponsorship processes, application requirements, travel, processing timelines, and dependent family members.
• Participate in new employee and scholar orientation programs as a presenter on a rotating basis.
• Maintain current knowledge of J-1 and H-1B immigration regulations, policies, and best practices.
• Maintain accurate documentation and case records while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Immigration Services team.

Schedule: Hybrid - 3 days onsite at Assembly Row in Somerville required

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, International Relations, Higher Education Administration, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One to two years of experience in immigration services, international education, global mobility, higher education, healthcare, or a related field.
• Experience or knowledge of J-1 and H-1B immigration regulations, policies, and best practices.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to effectively manage multiple cases and competing priorities.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong customer service orientation with a collaborative, solutions-focused approach.
• Sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion when handling confidential information.
• Effective problem-solving skills and initiative.
• Ability to work successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Interest in international programs, employment-based immigration, and supporting a global workforce.

Pay: $22.00 - $32.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Somerville, MA 02145