Immigration Specialist I

University of Florida • Gainesville, FL

14h • $21 - $23

About The Position

Form I-20 Processing, Student Advising & Compliance Serve as a primary processor of initial and transfer-in Forms I-20 for F-1 international students at the University of Florida. 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. Government & Institutional Liaison; SEVIS Reporting 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. Data & Team Support 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. Departmental Consultation 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. Outreach Support development and delivery of workshops, orientation programming, and educational materials related to F-1 regulations. Campus Involvement 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. Other Duties as Assigned 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and one year of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must meet federal eligibility requirements to serve as a Designated School Official (DSO): https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/schools/get-started/designated-school-official

Nice To Haves

• EDUCATION & TRAINING - Bachelor's or Master's degree
• Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) training
• EXPERIENCE - Experience with immigration regulations
• Experience with UF rules and regulations
• KNOWLEDGE: - F-1 Visa Status Regulations as governed by ICE, DHS, SEVP, USCIS.
• SKILLS - Detail-Oriented, Effective Communicator, Culturally Sensitive, Empathetic, Resourceful, Organized, Technologically Proficient, Adaptable, Reliable

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
• 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
• Assist with SEVIS alerts, compliance monitoring, and institutional reporting
• Provide immigration guidance to academic departments and campus partners regarding F-1 training & employment eligibility, enrollment impacts, and immigration implications of academic actions
• 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
• 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

Benefits

• Health Insurance: UF participates in state- and university-sponsored benefits programs for individuals, families and domestic partners, and offers voluntary insurance that includes vision, dental, long-term disability and more.
• Retirement Options: Attractive options include Florida Retirement System Pension Plan, State University System Optional Retirement Program, Florida Retirement System Investment Plan, and Voluntary Retirement Savings Plan.
• Leave: UF Faculty and Staff enjoy a generous paid leave plan as well as access to a sick-leave pool, maternity/paternity leave, and leave payouts.

What This Job Offers

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