Immigration Specialist I

Texas A&M University System • College Station, TX

8d • Onsite

About The Position

Texas A&M University’s International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) seeks an Immigration Specialist I to provide immigration services to prospective, current, and former F-1 and J-1 international students and scholars, their family members, university faculty and staff, community members, and government representatives. The role primarily supports the international community by processing requests and providing accurate, timely immigration advising in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

The specialist processes immigration documents and requests, maintains student and scholar records, and serves as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO). The position provides advising through email, phone, in-person service, virtual drop-in sessions, and appointments; handles confidential records and complex matters with multiple deadlines; and may assist with emergencies. The specialist also stays current on relevant regulations and policies, participates in professional development, represents ISSS at events and meetings, serves as a liaison, and may travel occasionally.

This position requires working from the office and providing face-to-face service. The employee must be willing to work some evenings, weekends, and holidays, and on and off campus. Travel may be required. The employee must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident as required for DSO/ARO certification, and must handle protected health information and complete HIPAA training.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One year of Immigration Services or related experience.
• U.S. citizenship or U.S. lawful permanent residency, as required by federal regulations for DSO and ARO certification.
• Ability to work from the office and provide face-to-face customer service.
• Willingness to work some evenings, weekends, and holidays, and on and off campus.
• Ability to lift, move, or carry documents and paper boxes for records retention.
• Ability to handle protected health information and complete required HIPAA training.
• Basic familiarity with immigration laws.
• Ability to multitask, work cooperatively with others, and work independently.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational, customer service, and interpersonal skills.
• Detail-oriented, with the ability to comprehend and communicate technical information effectively and diplomatically.
• Ability to relate well with the student population.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Experience working at an institution of higher education.
• Experience advising or supporting international students.
• Experience working with people from different backgrounds.
• Experience processing high-volume records, requests, and tasks.
• Experience with SEVIS, Banner, PeopleSoft, ISSM, Terra Dotta, Sunapsis, or other immigration, student information, or customer relationship management systems.
• Active membership in NAFSA: Association of International Educators, or another international or academic organization.
• Experience or credentials as a Principal Designated School Official (PDSO), Designated School Official (DSO), Responsible Officer (RO), or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).
• Knowledge of Texas A&M University policies and procedures.
• Ability to provide exceptional customer service to many customers simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Process immigration documents and requests for international students and scholars.
• Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) with the U.S. Department of State.
• Maintain international student and scholar records, protect confidential FERPA- and HIPAA-protected information, and manage immigration matters with multiple deadlines.
• Produce accurate and efficient documentation in accordance with office timelines and applicable regulations.
• Advise prospective, current, and former international students and scholars and their dependents through email, phone, front-counter service, virtual drop-in advising, and appointments.
• Provide limited assistance with student and scholar emergencies as needed.
• Triage and escalate complex matters to the appropriate staff member or supervisor.
• Provide immigration information and advising to Texas A&M departments and external agencies.
• Use independent judgment to resolve issues with international student and scholar records.
• Communicate verbally and in writing.
• Maintain knowledge of applicable federal, state, university, and ISSS regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Participate in internal and external training and professional development.
• Assist with reviewing, revising, and interpreting immigration-related rules, regulations, procedures, and policies.
• Research and reference internal policies, the NAFSA Adviser’s Manual, and federal regulations and guidance when processing documents and advising clients.
• Represent ISSS through presentations, event Q&A, liaison work, committee participation, and travel to meetings, conferences, or other campuses.
• Assist with projects supporting the office and international students and scholars.
• Serve as a liaison between international students and scholars and campus departments, community members, and other organizations.
• Travel occasionally off campus for office business.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance; Texas A&M contributes to employee health and basic life premiums.
• 12–15 days of annual paid holidays.
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
• Free exercise programs and release time.
• Free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support for conferences, workshops, and other professional development.
• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while employed by Texas A&M.
• Access to the Living Well employee wellness program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level