The International Student and Scholar Advisor advises international students and scholars in the areas of immigration, employment, tax obligations, and other government regulations, personal and financial matters, and serves as Designated School Official for the F-1 program and Alternate Responsible Officer for the J-1 program. The Advisor assists with orientation and other ISSS cross-cultural programming events and helps to manage the technology needed to support the operation of ISSS.

Duties are to: Review and organize admissions documentation and issue initial certificates of eligibility, Forms I-20 and DS-2019, for incoming international students; update pre-arrival information, assist admissions offices with questions, revise financial forms each year and manage correspondence with incoming students. Process and sign immigration documents for F-1 and J-1 international students and scholars (including extensions of stay, applications for employment authorization, changes of status, and school transfers); keep accurate records of advising encounters and help to maintain immigration status records of non-immigrant students and scholars served. Assist in managing data to ensure compliance with federal regulations associated with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) including running reports from PeopleSoft, ISSM and the new Sunapsis records keeping system; process, monitor and take actions on alerts and assist in testing SEVIS, ISSM, Sunapsis and PeopleSoft upgrades and releases. Assist in developing processes to monitor and ensure data integrity and collaborate and consult with Information Technology (IT), other campus departments and ISSS staff regarding interface with PeopleSoft, ISSM and Sunapsis. Provide information to UNC staff, faculty and community members on regulations governing international students and scholars. Evaluate emergency loan applications and approve in coordination with the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid. Prepare appeals and special requests to government agencies. Assist in maintaining the ISSS website, including preparing and updating online forms. Keep current with government regulations and international events that affect foreign students and scholars and continue to develop cross-cultural advising skills.

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent educational or instructional activities associated with the delivery and/or management of student support functions, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and at least 1 year of relevant experience in substitution.

Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident as required by federal regulations to be designated as an authorized signatory for student and scholar immigration documents and for access to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Thorough knowledge of federal regulations regarding international students and scholars and the applications and procedures for nonimmigrant classifications for international students and scholars, including F-1 and J-1 Exchange Visitors. Ability to learn complex regulations and to provide information to UNC-Chapel Hill departmental staff, faculty and community members on regulations governing international students and scholars. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Sensitivity to other cultures. High level of organization, accuracy and attention to detail. Skills with data entry, database tools and technology. Ability to work in a group environment.