International Student Advisor, Sponsored and General Advising

About the role

The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) enrolls more than 52,000 students across almost 120 bachelor’s and more than 220 graduate programs, and is home to more than 5,600 international students and 1,500 international scholars from over 130 countries. Texas Global advances UT Austin’s academic mission by coordinating international engagement, welcoming international students and scholars, and creating global opportunities for students and faculty. Texas Global comprises nine units and continues to grow.

This role serves as a vital resource for international students, providing expert immigration advising and holistic support that enables their success at the University. As the primary advisor for sponsored students—including those supported by governments, employers, or organizations—you will help them navigate complex federal regulations and sponsor compliance obligations. You will also advise the broader international student population, working collaboratively within the advising team and reporting to the advising team lead in Student Advising Services.

Responsibilities

• Student Advising and Support
  • Serve as the dedicated advisor for sponsored students, providing specialized guidance on sponsor compliance requirements, funding conditions, third-party billing, and home institution expectations alongside standard immigration advising.
  • Provide pre-arrival and arrival immigration guidance to prospective and admitted students across sponsored and general international student populations.
  • Advise students on work authorizations, immigration document extensions, status maintenance, visa applications, and international travel.
  • Navigate complex cases involving U.S. Department of Homeland Security and State Department regulations.
  • Empower student success through comprehensive counseling on university life, community integration, and the American educational experience.
  • Assist students with practical matters, including finances, transportation, employment, and campus adjustment.
  • Support high-volume email inquiries through the general team inboxes, collaborating with assistant advisors to ensure timely responses.
• Immigration Compliance
  • Serve as a DHS Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).
  • Maintain accurate records in SEVIS and university student information systems, ensuring strict compliance with federal regulations.
  • Process immigration applications and documentation with precision and efficiency.
  • Communicate directly with federal agencies and sponsors regarding immigration benefits for students.
  • Contribute actively to building team expertise in immigration regulations and compliance best practices.
• Communication and Outreach
  • Partner with academic departments and sponsors in consultation with ISSS leadership to enhance support for international students.
  • Serve as liaison to University offices, advocating effectively for sponsored and general international student populations.
  • Contribute compelling content for student communications, including emails, webpages, and presentations, while maintaining Texas Global branding standards.
  • Participate in delivering workshops, orientation sessions, and programming activities that connect the sponsored and general international student populations with the University community.
• Team and Institutional Support
  • Champion ISSS and Texas Global priorities through active participation in programs and community-building events.
  • Contribute to innovation through collaborative participation in staff meetings and working groups focused on enhancing service delivery.
  • Foster a sense of belonging by supporting and staffing programs that connect international students and scholars with each other and the greater University community.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and three years of professional experience in international student advising or immigration casework.
• Demonstrated ability to implement creative solutions and take initiative while working as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong skills in professional and intercultural communication and public speaking.
• Proven capability to multitask and keep projects well-organized and on deadline.
• Strong computer and technological proficiency.
• Commitment to high-quality and efficient customer service.
• Equivalent combination or substitution of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
• Important Note: Due to federal database access requirements, only U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents may apply for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Significant experience advising students on F-1 and J-1 immigration regulations in a university context.
• Experience as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).
• Experience working with Sunapsis database.
• Experience advising sponsored students within a university context, including familiarity with sponsor relationships and coordination.

Salary

$53,000+ depending on qualifications.

Working Conditions

• Work in a shared office environment.
• Work around standard office conditions.
• This position is located in Austin, Texas.