Immigration Specialist I

Texas A&M • College Station, TX

6d • Onsite

About The Position

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

The position maintains international student and scholar records, handles confidential and protected information, processes documents within office timelines and regulatory requirements, and advises clients through email, phone, front-counter service, virtual drop-ins, and appointments. The specialist also learns and applies relevant federal, state, university, and ISSS rules and procedures; participates in training; assists with policy and procedure review; and represents ISSS through presentations, events, committee work, liaison activities, projects, and occasional travel.

The role is based in College Station, Texas, and 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. U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status is required under federal regulations for DSO/ARO certification. The position handles PHI and requires HIPAA training. Travel may be required. The stated proposed minimum salary is $3,791.67 monthly; compensation will be commensurate with the selected candidate’s experience.

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 resident status, as required for DSO/ARO certification.
• Ability to work from the office and provide face-to-face customer service.
• Ability to lift, move, or carry individual documents and paper boxes as part of records retention.
• Willingness to work some evenings, weekends, and holidays, and on and off campus.
• 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.
• Attention to detail and ability to 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.
• PDSO, DSO, RO, or ARO experience or designation.
• Knowledge of TAMU policies and procedures.
• Ability to provide exceptional customer service to many customers at the same time.

Responsibilities

• Process immigration documents and requests for international students and scholars, serving as a DSO and ARO.
• Maintain international student and scholar records, protect confidential FERPA- and HIPAA-protected information, and manage matters with multiple deadlines.
• Produce accurate and efficient document processing in compliance with applicable regulations and office timelines.
• Advise prospective, current, and former international students, scholars, and dependents through email, phone, front-counter service, virtual drop-ins, and appointments.
• Provide limited assistance with student and scholar emergencies as needed.
• Triage complex matters and escalate them 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 involving international student and scholar records.
• Learn and maintain knowledge of applicable federal, state, university, and ISSS regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Participate in internal and external professional training, particularly in immigration document processing and advising.
• Assist with reviewing, revising, and interpreting immigration-related rules, regulations, procedures, and policies.
• Research and reference internal policies and procedures, the NAFSA Adviser’s Manual, and federal government regulations and guidance.
• Represent ISSS through presentations, event Q&A, liaison work, committee service, meetings, conferences, or visits to other campuses.
• Assist with office and international student and scholar support projects.
• 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.
• Access to free LinkedIn Learning training and webinars, with limited financial support for conferences and workshops.
• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while employed at Texas A&M.
• Living Well employee wellness program.

What This Job Offers

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