"Visa and Immigration Compliance Manager, Penn Arts & Sciences"

The School of Arts and Sciences within the University of Pennsylvania is seeking a Visa and Immigration Compliance Manager to join SAS Finance and Administration. Reporting to the Director of HR, this individual will work across our academic departments, centers, and programs. This position will play a crucial role in managing and facilitating the entire life cycle of the visa application, approval, and renewal processes for international employees to ensure compliance.

Duties:

• Management of Visa Applications: The Visa Manager helps SAS departments and international employees navigate the complex process of applying for visas by providing guidance on required documentation, deadlines, and procedures in consultation with Penn central offices, including Penn Global and external legal immigration resources.
• Consultation, Coordination, Submissions and Follow-Through: Manage the timely submission of visa applications with the appropriate Penn offices: ISSS, immigration authorities and tracking the progress of applications to ensure timely processing. Review and verify the accuracy and completeness of the visa application documents before submission to ensure compliance with immigration regulations.
• Renewal Management: Monitoring visa expiration dates and assisting individuals with the renewal process to avoid any lapses in legal status.
• Provide Guidance to SAS Departments: Serve as a knowledge expert for SAS on all visa-related inquiries, policies, and procedures. Lead and collaborate with local department coordinators in any area related to visas and immigration compliance. Stay up-to-date and informed on any government or university immigration or visa policy, procedure, or practice changes, and help communicate changes to stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of three years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Understanding of immigration laws, visa categories, and regulatory compliance related to international students, faculty, and staff.
• Prior experience in visa processing, international student services, or higher education administration is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with international populations, including students, faculty, and staff, in a multicultural environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, detail-oriented processes such as visa applications and compliance reporting.
• Organizational Skills: Exceptional ability to manage multiple responsibilities, deadlines, and data with a high level of accuracy.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies and immigration authorities.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous in reviewing documents and ensuring compliance with immigration regulations.
• Problem-Solving: Adept at resolving issues related to visa processes and providing clear guidance to individuals facing challenges.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups and provide empathetic support to international community members.
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with visa tracking systems, reporting databases, and standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite).