Form I-20 Processing, Student Advising & Compliance

Serve as a primary processor of initial and transfer-in Forms I-20 for F-1 international students at the University of Florida. Review financial documentation to determine eligibility and issue accurate Forms I-20 through SEVIS. Maintain complete, audit-ready immigration records and ensure compliance with federal regulations established by ICE, DHS, and SEVP.

Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) and F-1 International Student Adviser for an assigned caseload and backing-up as needed on other caseloads. Advise students on maintaining F-1 status, including enrollment requirements, reduced course loads, program extensions, training and employment eligibility, travel, and related regulatory matters. Apply federal regulations and institutional policies to support student success while mitigating institutional risk. Maintain secure and compliant immigration records in accordance with federal and university policies.

Government & Institutional Liaison; SEVIS Reporting

Act as liaison with federal agencies including ICE, DHS, SEVP, CBP, and USCIS. Ensure timely and accurate SEVIS reporting of enrollment, employment, program changes, and status updates. Maintain compliance with federal reporting deadlines and audit standards. Contribute to and support communications and coordination with internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure accurate and complete information for reporting and regulatory purposes.

Data & Team Support

Assist with SEVIS alerts, compliance monitoring, and institutional reporting. Perform data review and validation to support accuracy and identify discrepancies or trends. Collaborate with colleagues to resolve complex cases, improve processes, and provide cross-coverage during peak periods. Contribute to the development of reports and tracking tools that support operational effectiveness and compliance oversight. Assist in the procedural onboarding and training of Immigration Specialist I staff, supporting knowledge transfer, consistency in processes, and adherence to regulatory requirements.

Departmental Consultation

Provide immigration guidance to academic departments and campus partners regarding F-1 training & employment eligibility, enrollment impacts, and immigration implications of academic actions. Communicate regulatory updates and institutional procedures. Support consistent interpretation and application of policies and escalate nuanced or high-risk scenarios as appropriate.

Outreach

Support development and delivery of workshops, orientation programming, and educational materials related to F-1 regulations. Assist in training efforts that promote understanding of immigration responsibilities among students and campus stakeholders.

Campus Involvement

Represent International Student Services through active participation in campus engagement initiatives. Co-present at new student orientations, departmental meetings, and informational workshops to provide guidance on immigration processes and compliance requirements. Participate in tabling events and partner-sponsored activities across campus to promote services, foster collaboration, and support the university’s international student community.

Eligibility

Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and one year of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Must meet federal eligibility requirements to serve as a Designated School Official (DSO): https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/schools/get-started/designated-school-official

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Bachelor’s degree and four years of relevant experience, or Master’s degree and two years of relevant experience

EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE:

• Currently serves or recently served as a Designated School Official

• Detailed knowledge of F visa regulations, having completed NAFSA F-1 Student Beginner, Intermediate, and Advance Training

• Knowledge of UF administrative and academic procedures

• Knowledge of and skill in addressing cross-cultural adjustment issues

SKILLS:

- Demonstrates excellent computer skills in use of

- Office productivity software – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Teams, etc.

- Email and communications platforms – Salesforce, Outlook

- Student Information System – Compass, PeopleSoft, etc.

- Collaboration tools – Teams, OneDrive, Dropbox, etc.

- Demonstrates excellent customer service skills