Immigration Specialist I (F-1 Advisor/Designated School Official (DSO)

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

12d•$20 - $22

About The Position

This position serves as a primary processor of initial and transfer-in Forms I-20 for F-1 international students, reviewing financial documentation to determine eligibility and issuing accurate Forms I-20 through SEVIS. The role involves serving as a Designated School Official (DSO) and F-1 International Student Adviser, advising students on maintaining F-1 status, including enrollment requirements, reduced course loads, program extensions, training and employment eligibility, travel, and related regulatory matters. The specialist will act as a liaison with federal agencies, ensure timely and accurate SEVIS reporting, and provide immigration guidance to academic departments and campus partners. Additionally, the role supports the development and delivery of workshops and orientation programming, and participates in campus engagement initiatives.

Requirements

Must meet federal eligibility requirements to serve as a Designated School Official (DSO)
Experience with immigration regulations
Experience with UF rules and regulations
F-1 Visa Status Regulations as governed by ICE, DHS, SEVP, USCIS.
Detail-Oriented
Effective Communicator
Culturally Sensitive
Empathetic
Resourceful
Organized
Technologically Proficient
Adaptable
Reliable

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's or Master's degree
Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) training

Responsibilities

Serve as a primary processor of initial and transfer-in Forms I-20 for F-1 international students.
Review financial documentation to determine eligibility and issue accurate Forms I-20 through SEVIS.
Maintain complete, audit-ready immigration records and ensure compliance with federal regulations established by ICE, DHS, and SEVP.
Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) and F-1 International Student Adviser for an assigned caseload and backing-up as needed on other caseloads.
Advise students on maintaining F-1 status, including enrollment requirements, reduced course loads, program extensions, training and employment eligibility, travel, and related regulatory matters.
Apply federal regulations and institutional policies to support student success while mitigating institutional risk.
Maintain secure and compliant immigration records in accordance with federal and university policies.
Act as liaison with federal agencies including ICE, DHS, SEVP, CBP, and USCIS.
Ensure timely and accurate SEVIS reporting of enrollment, employment, program changes, and status updates.
Maintain compliance with federal reporting deadlines and audit standards.
Assist with SEVIS alerts, compliance monitoring, and institutional reporting.
Collaborate with colleagues to resolve complex cases, improve processes, and provide cross-coverage during peak periods.
Provide immigration guidance to academic departments and campus partners regarding F-1 training & employment eligibility, enrollment impacts, and immigration implications of academic actions.
Communicate regulatory updates and institutional procedures.
Support development and delivery of workshops, orientation programming, and educational materials related to F-1 regulations.
Represent International Student Services through active participation in campus engagement initiatives.
Co-present at new student orientations, departmental meetings, and informational workshops to provide guidance on immigration processes and compliance requirements.
Participate in tabling events and partner-sponsored activities across campus to promote services, foster collaboration, and support the university’s international student community.
Provide operational support to ensure continuity of services, including backup phone and front desk coverage as needed.
Perform additional duties to support office operations and team objectives.