Immigration Specialist I (F-1 Advisor/Designated School Official (DSO)

University of Florida

  • Gainesville, FL
  • 2 days ago
  • $20–$22 Per Hour

Highlights

As a liaison with federal agencies such as USCIS, ICE, and CBP, the specialist helps protect the university’s ability to enroll international students while advancing a globally engaged campus community. The Immigration Specialist I (F-1 Advisor / Designated School Official [DSO]) plays a key role in supporting international students throughout their academic journey at the University of Florida.

Numbers & Facts

LocationGainesville, FL
Salary$20–$22 Per Hour

Description

The Immigration Specialist I (F-1 Advisor / Designated School Official [DSO]) plays a key role in supporting international students throughout their academic journey at the University of Florida. This position prepares and issues Forms I-20 for incoming and current students and ensures institutional compliance with federal immigration regulations through accurate SEVIS reporting and record maintenance. Serving as both an advisor and compliance professional, the specialist provides individualized guidance to F-1 students on maintaining lawful status, including enrollment requirements, employment and training eligibility, and travel regulations.The role requires strong knowledge of federal immigration regulations and UF policies and close collaboration with academic departments and university stakeholders to apply regulations and resolve complex cases. Working alongside a team of Immigration Specialists and the SEVIS Data Manager, the position supports reporting and compliance monitoring. As a liaison with federal agencies such as USCIS, ICE, and CBP, the specialist helps protect the university’s ability to enroll international students while advancing a globally engaged campus community.Candidates must meet federal eligibility requirements to serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/schools/get-started/designated-school-official This position is Time-Limited.
Classification Title:

Immigration Specialist I (F-1 Advisor/Designated School Official (DSO)

Classification Minimum Requirements:

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

Job Description:

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.

Data & Team Support

Assist with SEVIS alerts, compliance monitoring, and institutional reporting. Collaborate with colleagues to resolve complex cases, improve processes, and provide cross-coverage during peak periods.

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.

Outreach

Support development and delivery of workshops, orientation programming, and educational materials related to F-1 regulations.

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.

Other Duties as Assigned

Provide operational support to ensure continuity of services, including backup phone and front desk coverage as needed. Perform additional duties to support office operations and team objectives.

Eligibility

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

Expected Salary:

$20.00-$22.00/hour

Required Qualifications:

N/A

Preferred:

EDUCATION & TRAINING
- Bachelor's or Master's degree
- Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) training

EXPERIENCE
- Experience with immigration regulations
- Experience with UF rules and regulations

KNOWLEDGE:
- F-1 Visa Status Regulations as governed by ICE, DHS, SEVP, USCIS.

SKILLS
- Detail-Oriented, Effective Communicator, Culturally Sensitive, Empathetic, Resourceful, Organized, Technologically Proficient, Adaptable, Reliable

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Time Limited & DSO Eligibility 

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

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Health Assessment Required:No

 

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