International Services Specialist

Position Overview of International Services Specialist

The Admissions & Recruitment Department at Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is seeking an International Services Specialist. The International Services Specialist coordinates immigration and related services for international students, exchange visitors, and employment‑based visa holders and performs other duties as assigned. The International Services Specialist delivers services related to international students and scholars to facilitate compliance with federal regulations governing immigration and visa status and to ensure student success.

The International Services Specialist evaluates, advises, and prepares cases on issues related to maintenance and/or restoration of good immigration status for students. Interprets federal regulations and exercises judgment in deciding appropriate courses of action in cases requiring reinstatement, change of status, terminations, extension of stays, and any other cases that require adjudication. The International Services Specialist also reviews and utilizes databases to ensure accuracy of data for tracking and reporting of international students/scholars.

Ensures compliance with data collection and maintenance requirements from the Department of Homeland Security, Department of State, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Purdue Northwest. Monitors international health insurance compliance.

The International Services Specialist serves and promotes advocacy for the international student and scholar population, both on and off campus. Encourages cultural understanding to assist in the adjustment of international students, their academic departments, and other campus entities. The International Services Specialist assists faculty and staff in the development of programs, policies, and procedures impacting international students in many areas.

The International Services Specialist also supports international admissions with data‑entry, application management, credential evaluations, etc., as needed and ISS responsibilities permitting.

This position does have the opportunity for a flexible work schedule but does require a strong on‑campus presence.

• $47,393 - $57,393

• Serve as Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) with signing authority as approved by Department of Homeland Security and Department of State and authorized to access Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
• Maintain and manage Sunapsis and SEVIS electronic records for F‑1 and J‑1 non‑immigrant students and scholars.
• Advise students through the OPT and CPT processes.
• Review, maintain and process all paper and electronic documents and records as required by USCIS during students' study at Purdue University Northwest.
• Maintain up to date understanding of federal immigration regulations, state, and local laws or policies impacting non‑immigrants.
• Maintain understanding of future SEVIS system changes.
• Counsel and advise students, scholars, employees regarding personal, social, cultural and academic concerns.
• Respond to internal and external inquiries regarding immigration and other matters.
• Assist ISS‑Director to ensure efficient departmental operations, making decisions and rendering judgments on cases regarding compliance with federal and immigration regulations.
• Serve as additional contact to the Department of Homeland Security, Social Security Administration, Bureau of Motor Vehicles or the Department of State to resolve issues or provide and receive information.
• Oversee health insurance for international students, including enrollment and related issues. Conduct presentations at orientation on health insurance.
• Ensure annual review and renewals of insurance policy and serve as main contact to provider company.
• Communicate with insurance company on a range of issues.
• Serve as the liaison to a selected department or program with high international enrollment to ensure successful transition of students from admission to visa obtainment to enrollment and addressing of immigration concerns throughout their tenure.
• Work closely with…