International Student Advisor, Sponsored and General Advising

University of Texas at Austin • UT MAIN CAMPUS, UT

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The International Student Advisor serves as a key resource for international students, providing immigration advising and holistic support to promote their success at the University of Texas at Austin. The advisor serves as the primary advisor for sponsored students, helping them navigate federal immigration regulations and sponsor compliance obligations, and also advises the broader international student population. The role works collaboratively within the advising team and reports to the advising team lead in student advising services.

The position is based at UT Austin’s main campus in Austin, Texas, and works in a shared office under standard office conditions. The scheduled work week is 40 hours. The position is expected to continue, and the earliest start date is listed as immediately.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and three years of professional experience in international student advising or immigration casework; an equivalent combination or substitution of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
• Ability to implement creative solutions and take initiative while working as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong professional and intercultural communication skills and public speaking ability.
• Ability to multitask, organize projects, and meet deadlines.
• Strong computer and technological proficiency.
• Commitment to high-quality and efficient customer service.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident due to federal database access requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Significant experience advising students on F-1 and J-1 immigration regulations in a university context.
• Experience as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).
• Experience working with the Sunapsis database.
• Experience advising sponsored students in a university context, including familiarity with sponsor relationships and coordination.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the dedicated advisor for sponsored students, advising on sponsor compliance requirements, funding conditions, third-party billing, and home institution expectations in addition to standard immigration advising.
• Provide pre-arrival and arrival immigration guidance to prospective and admitted sponsored and general international students.
• Advise students on work authorization, immigration document extensions, status maintenance, visa applications, and international travel.
• Navigate complex cases involving U.S. Department of Homeland Security and State Department regulations.
• Provide counseling on university life, community integration, and the American educational experience.
• Assist students with practical matters such as finances, transportation, employment, and campus adjustment.
• Support high-volume email inquiries through general team inboxes, collaborating with assistant advisors to respond in a timely manner.
• Serve as a DHS Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).
• Maintain accurate records in SEVIS and university student information systems in compliance with federal regulations.
• Process immigration applications and documentation accurately and efficiently.
• Communicate directly with federal agencies and sponsors regarding immigration benefits for students.
• Contribute to team expertise in immigration regulations and compliance best practices.
• Partner with academic departments and sponsors, in consultation with ISSS leadership, to enhance support for international students.
• Serve as a liaison to University offices and advocate for sponsored and general international student populations.
• Contribute content for student communications, including emails, webpages, and presentations, following Texas Global branding standards.
• Participate in workshops, orientation sessions, and programming that connect international students with the University community.
• Participate in ISSS and Texas Global programs, community-building events, staff meetings, and working groups focused on service delivery.
• Support and staff programs that foster belonging and connect international students and scholars with one another and the broader University community.

Benefits

• Retirement plan eligibility through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

What This Job Offers

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