International Student Advisor (Hybrid) - Provost Office

Washington University in St. Louis • Yosemite Valley, CA

7d • $49,700 - $82,100 • Hybrid

About The Position

The International Student Advisor supports the academic and research mission of WashU by advising and providing services to international students on immigration compliance. The advisor ensures institutional compliance with federal immigration regulations, promotes successful integration into the University and collaborates with campus partners. This role requires adaptability, meticulous attention to detail, a highly collaborative working style, sound professional judgment, and the ability to prioritize and manage a high volume, fast paced workload.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.
• International Advising (1 Year)
• Per U.S. federal regulations, must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and provide proof of status.
• Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) within six months of start date.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply complex regulations and to communicate them clearly.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated experience serving as a DSO and/or ARO, with hands on SEVIS experience.
• Experience working with F 1 and J 1 students and scholars and familiarity with J scholar and H 1B processes.
• Experience living, studying, or working in another country and/or working with a highly diverse international population.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply complex regulations and to communicate them clearly.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. immigration regulations related to F 1, J 1, and H 1B classifications and related employment authorizations.
• Cross cultural communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to convey complex or adverse information in a clear, empathetic, and professional manner.
• Proven ability to manage multiple cases and projects simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines.
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and accountability in data management and record keeping.
• Strong problem-solving skills and comfort working with ambiguity; ability to exercise sound judgment in situations with significant consequences for individuals and the institution.
• Master's degree

Responsibilities

• Provides individualized advising to international students on a full range of immigration matters, including maintenance of status, enrollment and employment requirements, extensions, travel and reentry, program changes, and related issues.
• Interprets and applies regulations and guidance from the Departments of Homeland Security, State, and Labor, including SEVP, USCIS, DOS, and DOL policies, to complex academic and employment situations.
• Serves as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO); updates and maintains SEVIS records accurately and in a timely manner, ensuring institutional compliance and readiness for audits and site visits.
• Prepares and processes immigration requests and associated documentation for university sponsored F‑1 or J‑1 statuses, etc., including initial sponsorships, extensions, transfers, and changes of status.
• Determines appropriate visa classifications and benefit eligibility (e.g., CPT, OPT, STEM OPT, Academic Training, J extensions) based on individual circumstances, legal requirements, and institutional policies.
• Reviews, verifies, and evaluates supporting documentation; exercises sound professional judgment in identifying deficiencies, requesting additional evidence, and ensuring the integrity of institutional records.
• Maintains accurate, complete, and well‑organized electronic and/or paper files to support federal regulations, institutional reporting and compliance audits.
• Follows established office protocols for responding to inquiries, including using approved email templates and guidance to ensure clear, consistent communication and adherence to OISS and institutional policies.
• Adheres to office expectations and timelines for responding to email inquiries and immigration related requests, prioritizing cases based on regulatory deadlines and institutional needs.
• Recognizes that certain peak periods in the academic and immigration cycles may require limited evening and/or weekend work.
• Contributes to and participates in the ongoing development and delivery of OISS resources including, but not limited to, online courses, in-person orientations, webinars on a range of topics including immigration regulations, employment authorization, travel guidance specific to visa type, and other topics specific to international students.
• Consults with OISS senior advisors and/or associate directors on complex issues affecting international students, including enrollment, leaves, academic standing, and employment.
• Stays current with changes in immigration regulations and best practices by participating in professional organizations (e.g., NAFSA), trainings, and conferences.
• Contributes to initiatives, process improvements, and policy development to increase efficiency, accuracy, and quality of service.
• Performs other duties as assigned in support of OISS and university goals.
• Works on special projects as assigned.

Benefits

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
• Free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
• Defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!
• 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child.
• Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs.
• Adult care resources.
• Tuition coverage for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

What This Job Offers

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