"Immigration Specialist"

Job Summary

Responsible for analyzing and applying federal immigration regulations and KSU policy to advise international faculty and staff regarding federal immigration and employment regulations and related matters. Works closely with outside Immigration Counsel on document collection and submission for various immigration visas, track pending approvals and keep appropriate records. Responsible for onboarding and engaging international faculty and staff and educating leaders on the process.

Responsibilities

• Independently and with minimal supervision, processes and coordinates H-1B visa applications and/or petitions, green card and/or PERM petitions and other employment related documents ensuring that information is accurate, complete, and filed timely
• Serves as an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for KSU's J-1 program and processes DS2019 requests for scholars
• Coordinates all activities for visa processing including training and guidance for Department Chairs and hiring managers
• Develops, builds and maintains e-forms and other infrastructure in Sunapsis or related software to support employment visa requests
• Continually tracks, updates and communicates critical dates and timelines associated with visa application status to colleges, administrative divisions, hiring managers, and HR and Academic Affairs staff
• Utilizes established queries to review visa status for determining expirations and track visa end dates and prioritizes work
• Ensures that renewals, extensions and changes of status are processed and updated in a timely manner
• Develops and facilitates international onboarding program to better assimilate new international faculty and staff to campus
• Develops and facilitates international affinity groups and other programming to aid in the engagement of international faculty and staff
• Brings any issues regarding visa/immigration cases and/or employee status to the attention of Human Resources or Academic Affairs and departmental leadership
• Assists with scheduling appointments or meetings after appropriate visa status has been granted

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in International Studies, Human Resources, business or related field

Other Required Qualifications

Must be a US citizen or legal permanent resident per Federal government requirements for SEVIS access

Required Experience

One (1) year of relevant work experience

Preferred Qualifications

Additional Preferred Qualifications

Understanding of complex federal, state and local regulations pertaining to foreign nationals
Demonstrated intercultural competency and/or experience working with individuals from other cultures
Knowledge of SEVIS, Sunapsis and related software

Preferred Experience

Experience studying or living abroad and/or ability to speak another language

Preferred Educational Qualifications

An advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a related field

Proposed Salary

https://hr.kennesaw.edu/benefits/index.php

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES

Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time meeting assigned deadlines

KNOWLEDGE

Understanding of cross-cultural issues
Understanding of complex federal, state and local regulations pertaining to foreign nationals
Knowledge of SEVIS, Sunapsis and related software

SKILLS

Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management and presentation skills
Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e., Microsoft Office suite)
Strong attention to detail and follow up skills
Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette