International Student and Scholar Advisor

Overview

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under general direction, the International Student and Scholar Visa Advisor advises and assists the Case Western Reserve international population, primarily in F, J, and H visa status, regarding all non-immigrant visa compliance issues. The visa advisor will assist and guide prospective and current international students, scholars, faculty, and staff through the visa application process, ensuring compliance with immigration laws and regulations.

The advisor will provide valuable support and advice to enrolled students, helping them navigate the complexities of obtaining a student visa and ensuring a smooth transition to their desired educational institution. The International Student and Scholar Visa Advisor is responsible for advising international populations on complex immigration regulations as well as academic, employment, personal, financial, social, and cross-cultural concerns.

The International Student and Scholar Visa Advisor must utilize current knowledge of federal, state, local and university regulations that affect international students, scholars, employees, faculty and their dependents, and must maintain unique training and knowledge related to United States immigration regulations and will serve as a designated school official (DSO) and alternative responsible officer (ARO) for the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.

• Student Visa Guidance:
  Coordinate with academic departments and admissions offices to obtain applications for newly admitted international students. Provide accurate and up-to-date information on visa requirements, application procedures, and necessary documentation to international students. Assist students in understanding the immigration regulations and help them complete visa application forms correctly. Be available, responsive, and able to exercise discretion in the event of a crisis.
• Advising Services:
  Offer personalized advice to international students on visa options, eligibility criteria, and any specific requirements related to their chosen destination country or educational institution. Address students' queries and concerns regarding visa processes, deadlines and related matters, and complex immigration-related issues such as visa issuance or adjustments, travel and re-entry to the United States, employment eligibility, change of immigration status, course-load requirements, and transfers into/from Case Western Reserve University, as well as academic, personal, financial, social, and cross-cultural concerns.
  
  Serve as an academic advisor for students participating in curricular practical training (CPT), optional practical training (OPT), and OPT STEM extension.
• Document Verification:
  Review and verify students' visa application documents to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with immigration guidelines. Advise students on any missing or additional documents needed for their visa application. Evaluate applications independently to approve the preparation and issuance of government documents (I-20 and DS-2019 Forms) for visa eligibility for students and scholars, as well as their dependents, and to ensure the university's compliance with all federal immigration regulations.
• Application Support:
  Assist students in preparing their visa application packages, including necessary supporting documents, financial statements, and sponsorship letters. Provide guidance on scheduling visa interviews, medical examinations, and other required procedures.
• Communication and Coordination:
  Liaise with immigration authorities, educational institutions, and other relevant stakeholders on behalf of students to resolve visa-related issues or concerns. Maintain clear and prompt communication channels with students throughout the visa application process. Use independent judgment when making referrals to other individuals/offices on campus to resolve problems.
• Recordkeeping and Reporting:
  Maintain accurate and organized records of students' visa applications, approvals, rejections, and any visa-related correspondence. Generate reports and updates on visa application statuses as required by the VISA Office, university administration, and government agencies as directed by the director.
• Compliance and Regulations:
  Stay updated with the latest immigration policies, regulations, and changes affecting international students. Maintain knowledge of visa restrictions, work limitations, and conditions of stay for students in the destination country.
• Serve as a designated school official (DSO) and alternate responsible officer (ARO) for Case Western Reserve University. This role requires U.S. government adjudication and training and gives the advisor the independent authority to advise international students on a case-by-case basis on their legal immigration status in the United States. Stay current regarding knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations as they affect international students through…