International Student Advisor

Visa & Immigration Advisor job at MD Anderson Center. Houston, TX. The Visa & Immigration Services Administration department supports international faculty, trainees, students, and staff by ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration regulations and institutional policies. The team facilitates employment authorization, visa sponsorship, and status maintenance while serving as a central resource for non-U.S. citizens and institutional partners. Through ongoing monitoring, communication, and regulatory alignment, the department enables a seamless experience for global talent entering and continuing employment. The Visa & Immigration Advisor provides expert guidance on nonimmigrant visa processes and regulatory compliance while serving as a key liaison between the institution, international employees, and government agencies. This role manages visa sponsorship, tracks immigration status, and ensures adherence to federal regulations through proactive communication and system oversight. The advisor also supports institutional operations by delivering training, audits support, and policy interpretation. The ideal candidate holds a bachelor's degree in Social Sciences, Business Administration, Humanities, Education, or a related field, with experience supporting SEVIS programs (J-1 or F-1) or filing nonimmigrant visa petitions such as H-1B or TN. They demonstrate strong time management, customer service orientation, and excellent written and verbal communication skills. Experience interfacing with government agencies and interpreting immigration regulations is highly valued. Relevant certifications or training in immigration compliance (e.g., NAFSA, AILA) are preferred, along with the ability to work collaboratively and manage complex caseloads while maintaining attention to detail. The work schedule is Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm with a hybrid work arrangement. No flexible hours are available. Hourly breakdown of salary range: Minimum $29.09 - Midpoint $36.30 - Maximum $43.51 Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance. Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options. Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups. Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs. Serve as Designated School Official (F-1), Alternative Responsible Officer (J-1), and Designated Hiring Authority (H-1B) for visa programs Prepare and process nonimmigrant visa applications (F-1, J-1, H-1B, TN, E-3, and others) Provide visa clearance guidance and communicate immigration options to international candidates and departments Maintain and update SEVIS records and internal systems to track visa status and compliance Conduct Form I-9 employment verifications and ensure accurate documentation Monitor visa expiration timelines and notify stakeholders of upcoming changes Serve as liaison to federal, state, and international agencies (e.g., DHS, USCIS, DOS, SSA) Support audits and prepare official immigration correspondence for agencies Deliver orientations and training sessions on immigration processes and compliance Maintain current knowledge of immigration regulations through research, training, and professional development Reading the Federal Register and other regulatory resources (e.g. Department of Labor, Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, NAFSA, and AILA) ; Participating in numerous webinars; and Attending conferences, workshops, seminars, training, and meetings. EDUCATION Required: Bachelor's Degree Social Sciences, Business Administration, Humanities or related field. WORK EXPERIENCE Required: 3 years Professional immigration experience. Preferred: 3 years Work experience in the area of immigration and/or the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).Experience working with federal and state agencies and supporting institutional immigration programs. OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Must be either a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident. Federal Code of Regulation - 8 C.F.R. 214.3 (1) (1). The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition. This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment. It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr