Student Immigration Services Specialist

Biola University, United States

Updated: 18 days ago
Location: La Mirada, CALIFORNIA

Student Immigration Services Specialist

What’s in it for you?
• Biola’s Christ-centered and biblically based foundation contributes to Biola’s exceptional work culture and environment.
• There is generous medical, dental and vision Insurance coverage for full-time employees
• Tuition waiver for full-time employees: 80% or 100%, depending on years of service
• Generous employer retirement match
• Generous paid time off
• Employee discounts inside and outside of the Biola community

Want an impactful career? Look no further!
Biola University is a nationally ranked Christian university in the heart of Southern California. As a leader in academic quality and innovation, Biola is consistently ranked among the nation’s foremost Christian universities. The Office of the Registrar stewards the academic excellence of the university by upholding academic curriculum, policies and requirements; developing and supporting systems to maintain and protect student academic records; and providing excellent service to the academic community of students, faculty and staff.

A DSO must be either a citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

Basic Function and Responsibility:


The Student Immigration Services Specialist is:


  • Responsible for the advising of international students in regards to the privileges and responsibilities associated with their study at Biola University under an F-1 student visa or other visa which permits study.  

  • Charged with the monitoring, reporting, and processing of student immigration records with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP) via the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

  • An additional University liaison with ICE Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS), Customs and Border Protection, CBP), Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and Social Security Administration (SSA) in the assisting and resolution of international student related issues. 

  • Maintains international student records in compliance with F-1 federal regulations.

  • Collaborates and coordinates with departments across the University to provide key immigration-related international student services, regulatory awareness, and understanding.


    • Essential Duties:


  • Serves as the University’s chief functionary DSO and immigration advisor, staying current on all pertinent immigration laws and regulations regarding student eligibility to study under an F-1 or other visa holder.  

  • Assists Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) in Form I-17 maintenance, update, and recertification cycles.

  • Under the direction of PDSO, provides policy interpretation and guidance to International Admissions DSOs.

  • Works directly with PDSO to maintain University compliance with all federal regulations pertaining to the administration of international students and exchange visitors.

  • Represents the University to ICS, SEVP, CIS, CBP, DMV, SSA and other state and federal agencies in the processing and resolving of international student matters, requests.

  • Serves international student community, assisting them in the maintenance of their Student Visa status through counseling, education, literature, and advocacy with DHS and its branches.

  • Meets with Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral level students regularly to discuss, educate, advise and process immigration related matters and documents.

  • Processes and maintains pertinent immigration documents and records permitting current students to maintain study.

  • Maintains the accuracy of student information in the University student information system (Banner).

  • Partners, collaborates, and coordinates with University departments such as, but not limited to, International Admissions, Financial Aid, Global Student Programs and Development, Career Development, and academic departments to meet the needs of currently enrolled international students. 

  • Provides campus-wide student immigration educational opportunities for students, staff, and faculty.

  • Provides efficient, gracious, and thorough customer service to all constituencies.

  • Positively contributes to the spiritual growth, development, care & support of the students & employees this position interacts with.

  • Maintains a lifestyle consistent with sound Christian principles and those promulgated by the University’s doctrinal and lifestyle statements.


    • Non-Essential Duties:

    Other duties, as assigned


    Supervision Received:

    Assistant Registrar for Compliance


    Qualifications


    General: 

  •  Familiarity with higher education structures.

  •  High level of accuracy and attention to detail. 

  • Ability to work proactively and independently, with the possession of interpersonal communication skills needed for effective collaboration and teamwork. 

  • Must have good communication skills, be confident, sincere, responsible and able to work independently. 

  • Willingness and motivation to learn a must.  

  • Meet the public with ease and professionalism.

  • Must be interculturally competent and experienced.

  • Holds personal theological beliefs that are in agreement with the Biola Doctrinal Statement. Maintains a lifestyle consistent with sound Christian principles and standards of conduct promulgated by the institution.


    • Education:  BA or equivalent experience preferred.


    Experience:  Three to five years of prior experience in student immigration or its equivalent strongly preferred.


    Skills:  Proficiency with Banner or other SIS/ERP strongly preferred. Proficiency with SEVIS strongly preferred.


    Hours Per Week: 40
    Months Per Year: 12
    Hiring Range: $23.15 - 26.22 per hour

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