International & Immigration Services

Unavailable Position

International & Immigration Services Graduate Assistant

This position will serve as a team member of International & Immigration Services through Student Life and will work to support the office in processing immigration documents for international students seeking F-1 student visas. This position is contingent upon acceptance into a graduate program at the University and is renewable for up to two years. 

The GA must take 2 graduate courses per semester or 1 per module, based on the schedule of the individuals academic graduate program.

  • Full-Time
  • Compensation $27,300
    • Stipend: $12,300 paid bi-weekly during contract period
    • Tuition waiver of $15,000 per contract year. No more than two classes per term may be taken

Qualifications

  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Must be accepted into a Sacred Heart University graduate program
  • Organizational skills, detail oriented, positive attitude, customer service skills, desire to enhance the life of the international student
  • Mandatory Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) training completion certificate

Responsibilities

  • The Graduate Student Assistant (GSA) serves as a “Designated School Official” DSO in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and maintains expertise in F-1 student regulations to assist students with F-visa compliance.
  • Under the guidance of the director and associate director, provides accurate immigration information to international students, monitors, tracks student immigration status and maintains appropriate files.
  • Assists with organizing SEVIS data processing under the guidelines provided by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and maintaining data and quality control management.
  • Updates and tracks SEVIS records on a semester/trimester/module basis.
  • Assists with preparation of F-1 documents for all intensive English programs, undergraduate and graduate programs and ensure compliance to all federal policies and regulations.
  • Serves as a first point of contact for students to guide them on immigration-related matters.
  • Develops and maintains an in-depth knowledge of the academic programs, as well as relevant policies and procedures within each academic department to apply immigration regulations accordingly.
  • Advises students on immigration petitions and applications including processing for new F-1 visas, employment authorizations, reinstatement and reduced course load authorizations, change of status and medical leave.
  • Assists with communication to deposited incoming undergraduate first-year student, transfer, graduate, and ESL students including pre-arrival information, travel information, orientation pre-arrival to the United States.
  • Assists with active case management to the first-year cohort while supporting international students experiencing cross-cultural, family, personal or economic crisis, which may impact academic performance and overall student experience.
  • Assists with social media outreach and communication to international students.
  • Assists with website updates and content reviews.
  • Helps students to access appropriate community services/resources that they need.
  • Assists Student Life with events throughout the year.
  • Other duties as assigned.