<p>USF World is led by a VP and is comprised of units across Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota devoted to promoting ed abroad; supporting int'l students and scholars, the management of int'l partnerships, int'l travel risk and security services, management of the Peace Corps Prep and support for a dedicated recruiter, tracking and documenting int'l research collaborations and the global footprint of faculty, students and staff, collection of data related to international activities at the University, int'l alumni development and outreach, and the marketing and communication of USF World programs and initiatives. Comprising a total of over 70 staff and a budget of approximately $4.5 M, clients are USF faculty developing int'l academic experiences, curriculum, and research collaborations, administrators promoting the global priorities of USF, staff responsible for supporting int'l activities across campuses, colleges, and other units, current and prospective students coming to USF from other countries and U.S. students seeking global experiences as well as university partners from abroad and foreign dignitaries. Community partners include local, state, national, and int'l leaders of government and public and private organizations, including other institutions of higher ed, military, business, and industry.</p> <p>This position provides immigration advising for international students (prospective, incoming, and current) accepted into academic programs at the university; serves as a SEVIS Designated School Official (DSO) to assist with the creation and update of immigration documents; and assists with international student onboarding. The position is part of a team dedicated to providing international students, scholars, and staff with the best possible service, information and programming.</p> <p>Working at USF</p> <p>With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.</p> <p>About USF</p> <p>The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.</p> <p>Compliance and Federal Notices</p> <p>This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.</p> <p>Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:</p> <p>The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.</p> <p>Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)</p> <p>Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.</p> <p>Equal Employment Opportunity</p> <p>The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.</p> <p>This position provides immigration advising for international students (prospective, incoming, and current) accepted into academic programs at the university; serves as a SEVIS Designated School Official (DSO) to assist with the creation and update of immigration documents; and assists with international student onboarding. The position is part of a team dedicated to providing international students, scholars, and staff with the best possible service, information and programming.</p> <p>Minimum Qualifications: This position requires a Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization with a minimum of one to three years experience in advising F-1 international students on immigration matters. Work experience may not be substituted for the Bachelor's degree requirement for this position. United States citizenship or lawful permanent resident required by DHS for access to SEVIS system.</p> <p>Preferred Qualifications: Experience as a Designated School Official (DSO) in SEVIS. Completion of NAFSA Professional F-1 Advising for Beginners Exposure to international education as demonstrated by living in a different country, working or studying in a different country, or working with an international student population. Experience with software for batching to SEVIS, such as SUNAPSIS and experience with university student database such as OASIS Banner.</p> <p>Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor's degree.</p> <ul> <li>Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S. </li><li>SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements </li><li>A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed: </li><li>(a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree; </li><li>(b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor's degree; </li><li>(c) Six years of direct experience for a master's degree; </li><li>(d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or </li><li>(e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree </li><li>Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment. </li><li>Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310. </li></ul> <p>Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) in the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) operated by the Department of Homeland Security. Evaluates records of newly admitted international students to determine immigration status and conducts timely and accurate review of financial and immigration-related documents. Creates and issues immigration documents (I-20) for newly admitted international students via the university's case management software and SEVIS RTI. Advises incoming international students on immigration regulations pertaining to steps necessary to obtain an I-20 and to apply for a visa stamp at a US Embassy. Informs students about immigration benefits, maintaining immigration status, and complying with immigration regulations as a student. Collaborates with various departments/offices for student yield, retention, and onboarding. Responsible for updates to SEVIS including but not limited to changes to funding, program date changes, changes of level, transferring in/out, and travel signatures.</p> <p>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, enrollment reports, record updates/corrections, and initial verification (check in) of immigration documents of all new students.</p> <p>Participates in planning and implementing check-in (orientation) sessions for incoming students, conducts workshops/session on immigration, culture, or other adjustment topics, and assist with all office programming and events. Essential personnel in the event of crisis.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Special Skills/Training: Knowledge or use of university student database such as Banner, PeopleSoft, or other similar system used for academic records. Knowledge or use of software for batching to SEVIS; such as SUNAPSIS.</p>