Immigration Specialist I

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position serves as the primary point of contact for F-1 International Student Services (ISS), managing a high volume of calls and providing exceptional customer service. The role involves staying current on university procedures and ISS workflows to ensure accurate messaging. The Immigration Specialist will triage inquiries from international students, faculty, staff, and prospective students, providing general guidance on F-1 immigration processes in compliance with institutional policies and federal regulations. A key responsibility includes serving as a Designated School Official (DSO) to process and issue Forms I-20, manage SEVIS data entry and updates, and assist with OPT reporting, STEM OPT Validations, and cap-gap requests. The role also involves identifying and escalating complex cases, ensuring compliance with Department of Homeland Security regulations, and assisting with student support letters and appointment scheduling.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and one year of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must be eligible to serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) as required by federal regulations.

Nice To Haves

Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Experience providing high-volume customer service, reception, or administrative support.
Experience in international student services, higher education, or a related field.
Working knowledge of F-1 immigration regulations and SEVIS, with the ability to apply regulations and policies accurately.
Excellent organizational, time management, and multitasking skills.
Able to manage multiple priorities with attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
Familiarity with university systems and standard office software.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion (subject to FERPA).

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact for F-1 International Student Services (ISS), managing a high call volume with professionalism and delivering exceptional customer service.
Stay current on university procedures, ISS workflows, and FAQs to ensure consistent, accurate messaging.
Triage inquiries from international students, faculty, staff, and prospective students, providing accurate information and directing complex issues to the appropriate advisors or UF staff.
Provide general guidance on F-1 immigration processes in compliance with institutional policies and federal regulations.
Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) in compliance with federal regulations.
Process and issue Forms I-20, including travel signatures, replacement I-20s, financial updates, program/major changes, and dependent information updates.
Perform SEVIS data entry and updates to maintain accurate student records; assist with data tracking and reporting.
Ensure consistency between SEVIS records and supporting documentation.
Assist with OPT reporting requirements, STEM OPT Validations, and cap-gap-related requests.
Identify complex cases and escalate them to senior staff or submit SEVIS Help Desk tickets as appropriate.
Ensure ongoing compliance with Department of Homeland Security regulations and university policies.
Serve as back-up for processing student support/verification letters.
Assist in managing shared calendars and scheduling appointments.