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Assistant Advisor to International Students and Scholars

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Harvard University

Cambridge

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Assistant Advisor to International Students and Scholars

Advisor

2026-08-07

Location

Cambridge, MA

Harvard University

Type

Full-time (35 hrs/week)

Visa Sponsorship

No

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree
SEVIS experience
2+ years international advising preferred
Detail-oriented & multi-tasking
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Assistant Advisor to International Students and Scholars

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Job Description

The Harvard International Office (HIO) was established in 1944 to respond to the needs of a growing number of international students. The HIO serves over 10,000 international students and scholars, many of whom are accompanied by family members. The HIO provides assistance with the settling-in process and advice in complying with U.S. Government regulations. Under general supervision, this position provides immigration advising with special emphasis on the impact of a wide variety of federal, non-immigrant regulations affecting international students and scholars.

This position supports and assists the HIO advising team in a variety of tasks related to both international students and scholars. The individual will be appointed both Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

  • Acts as Advisor on Call for both international students and scholar; answers immigration related questions
  • Provides immigration advising for international students and scholars on non-immigrant visas
  • Advises Harvard Summer School students
  • Manages OPT application process
  • Processes J-1 Academic Training applications
  • Processes student transfers (both incoming and outgoing)
  • Manages OPT address and employer maintenance and auditing
  • Manages J other sponsor incoming clients
  • Manages SEVP Portal
  • Manages data input for J-1 on-campus student employment
  • HIO working group membership, as assigned
  • Performs other duties, as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

  • Sitting using near vision use for reading and computer use for extended periods of time
  • Lifting (approximately 20 to 30 pounds), bending and other physical exertion

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree required
  • Ability to interpret and apply immigration regulations; ability to use initiative and resourcefulness in planning work assignments and in developing program and process improvements.
  • Experience working with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-intensity environment
  • Must be organized, detail oriented and capable of multi-tasking in a team environment
  • Equivalent of two years of professional experience working with international students and/or scholars preferred
  • Strong written and verbal skills; confidently conduct presentations for students and scholars; advise students and scholars individually and in groups where required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

  • Experience working with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) compliance issues/processes in a campus-based International Student Services office preferred.
  • Prior experience with Ellucian ISSM and ISD preferred.
  • Knowledge of a foreign language preferred.

Additional Information

Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, References

Other Information:

  • Emergency Status Designation: Critical Operations Personnel

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Frequently Asked Questions

🎓What qualifications are required for the Assistant Advisor role at Harvard?

A Bachelor’s degree is required along with experience using SEVIS. Two years of professional experience advising international students and scholars is strongly preferred. Strong communication skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are essential.

🛂Does Harvard provide visa sponsorship for this Assistant Advisor position?

No. Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role. Candidates must already have work authorization in the United States.

📋What are the main responsibilities of the Assistant Advisor to International Students and Scholars?

Key duties include serving as Advisor on Call, managing OPT applications, processing J-1 Academic Training, handling student transfers, maintaining SEVP Portal data, and advising on non-immigrant visa compliance.

Will I be appointed as a DSO and ARO in this Harvard role?

Yes. The selected candidate will be appointed both Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) to support the Harvard International Office advising team.

📝How can I prepare a strong application for this Harvard International Office position?

Highlight any SEVIS and Ellucian ISSM/ISD experience, immigration advising background, and ability to manage high-volume tasks. Review our academic CV guide and tailor your materials to emphasize compliance and student support skills.
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