Provides independent high level professional immigration expertise to university administrators, observers, faculty, students, visitors, trainees, and, staff related to potential visa sponsorship options based on appointment. Processes visa sponsorship applications, including signing all legal immigration documents for non-U.S. citizens invited, appointed, or hired to join the institution. Serves as the clearing house for all non-U.S. Citizens invited to the institution. Ensures compliance with non-immigrant visas sponsored by the institution. Assists non-U.S. citizens with a smooth transition to the university campus and the city of Houston or designated site of activity.
Position Key Accountabilities:
Responsible for providing Administration, Departments, and non-U.S. citizens with independent high level professional expertise and guidance on visa options; estimated timelines; obligations of sponsorship; and visa sponsorship for non-U.S. citizens appointed, invited, accepted, and/or visiting the institution.
Reviews and signs all legal non-immigrant immigration applications, written communication, and/or documents associated to visa sponsored by the institution.
Conducts independent reviews of immigration documents and/or passports on all non-U.S. citizens in order to determine eligibility to begin and/or continue appointment with institution.
Provides independent high level professional expertise to non-U.S. citizen faculty, trainees, students, observers, and visitors by preparing, signing, and processing non-immigrant visa applications for all non-immigrant visas (e.g. F, J, E, TN, H, O, etc.).
Serves as Designated School Official and Alternate Responsible Officer for the F-1 and J-1 UTHealth approved programs which include but is not limited to creating records, signing immigration forms, validating & complying with all reporting obligations of all F and J visas within the mandatory reporting obligation periods in the Student Exchange Visitor Information System.
Reports to appropriate U.S. Government Agency and/or Program Sponsors all reporting obligation within the mandatory reporting obligation periods of visitors accepted, appointed, or employed with our institution but whose visa is sponsored by another organization.
Provides appropriate visa clearances for employment, training, education, and/or visitors to the institution and advises administrators as well as non-U.S. citizens on their visa options/restrictions.
Conducts mandatory one-on-one and group visit orientations with all non-immigrant visa holders to ensure non-U.S. Citizen understands his/her regulatory obligation to ensure compliance with visa sponsorship while in the U.S.
Conducts mandatory educational workshops, cross-cultural activities, Open Forums, and Open Meetings for all non-immigrant visa holders and Department Administrators in accordance with federal regulations.
Serves as the institutional Training Program Liaison for the J-1 ECFMG Program.
Serves as the Designated Representative for all government document processing related to H-1, E-3, and TN sponsored visas.
Interacts directly and indirectly with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; U.S Department of Labor; & U.S. Department of State authorities in processing all visa applications; reviewing, photocopying and retaining all immigration documents in accordance with sponsorship or participation in program; reporting mandatory information for non U.S. Citizens in accordance with visa status; and, responding promptly to all government audits.
Interfaces with school administrators, Deans, Chairpersons, as well as other support Departments including but not limited to Registrar, Bursar, Payroll, Human Resources, Global Program, Graduate Medical Education, Postdoctoral Office, and Employee Relations.
Required to keep abreast of all visa restrictions and changes in federal, state, local and international regulations impacting the sponsorship and/or maintenance of immigration status by participating in on-going mandatory training & signing affidavits of participation and understanding the penalties imposed for failure to comply.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Certification/Skills:
Analytical thinking skills; the ability to build relationships; innovative thinking skills; practice-based learning and improvement skills; basic office and computer skills; and exceptional customer service skills.
Minimum Education:
Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences, Humanities, Business Administration, or Education or relevant experience in lieu of education.
Minimum Experience:
Two (2) years of professional work experience in the area of Immigration and/or the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) related to International Student Advising or immigration experience.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be either a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident. Federal Code of Regulation 8 C.F.R. 214.3 (1)(1).
Physical Requirements:
Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount constantly to move objects.
Security Sensitive:
This job class may contain positions that are security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of Texas Education Code § 51.215
Residency Requirement:
Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.