This position serves as a technical expert on F-1 student applications for curricular practical training (CPT), optional practical training (OPT), and STEM Extension OPT. The International Student Advisor III provides timely immigration assistance and advising to international students; producing and updating immigration documents (I-20) in the Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), processing student requests and answering immigration related inquiries, advising on cultural and adjustment needs, and advocating for international students within and outside the University. The position is part of a team dedicated to providing international students, scholars, and staff with the best possible service, information and programming.

• Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) in the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) operated by the Department of Homeland Security. Advises international students on immigration regulations pertaining to their visa status including assisting with the application procedures associated with practical training (CPT, OPT, STEM Extension OPT), providing information about reporting requirements associated with practical training; providing information and education on maintaining immigration status and complying with immigration regulations; and how to obtain appropriate immigration benefits.  Responsible for updates to SEVIS including but not limited to curricular practical training, optional practical training, STEM Extension OPT, employment  reporting, cap gap, practical training unemployment days, and 6/12/18/24 month STEM Extension OPT reporting, update visa/status, changes to program, transferring in/out, and travel signatures.
• Collaborates with various departments/offices at USF and employers throughout the US to assist students to maintain immigration status and obtain allowable immigration benefits.  Assists with the mandatory reporting of international student data for F-1 visa holders via batch interface and real-time SEVIS. This includes but is not limited to updates and changes to student’s records due to semester reports, practical training, enrollment reports, record updates/corrections, and initial verification (check in) of immigration documents of all new students.
• Assist with all office programming and events.   Essential personnel in the event of crisis.
• Maintain knowledge of U.S. immigration policies, USCIS regulations, and SEVIS procedures by attending professional development workshops and conferences, reading government publications, and staying current on immigration topics.