International Student and Scholar Advisor

The Harvard International Office (HIO) was established in 1944.  Since that time, the Harvard international population has grown to over 10,000, and many are accompanied by family members.  The HIO provides immigration advising in compliance with U.S. government regulations and University policies. When needed, the HIO makes referrals to other University and third-party services and resources. The HIO regularly responds to student, scholar, and University administrator inquiries, and proactively identifies where students and scholars may need guidance and support. 

Job Summary: 

The International Student and Scholar Advisor provides immigration advising and support in the areas of pre-arrival guidance, orientation, and cultural adaptation.  Advises a population of continuing and incoming international students and scholars on issues relating to immigration; as Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO), ensures institutional and individual compliance with the government regulations by learning, interpreting, and applying regulations and government policies pertaining to F-1 and J-1 students; evaluates student and scholar eligibility for issuance of F-1 and J-1 visa documents. This position assists with proactive future planning that will effectively anticipate the needs of international students and scholars related to immigration regulations and other support measures.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Serve as an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for the J-1 Exchange Visitor program and as Designated School Official (DSO) for the F-1 program under the U.S.

• Provide immigration advising for students and scholars, including detailed instruction on maintenance of status requirements such as change of status, school transfer, full-time enrollment, extension of stay, employment, practical training, and reinstatement of status.

• Act as Advisor on Call for both students and scholars; answers basic questions concerning visa documents and travel plans; provides travel signatures for F-1 and J-1 visa holders with sponsorship from Harvard University; advises on general procedures for obtaining visa documents and maintaining visa status; provides letters for Social Security Number and ITIN 

• Manage casework processing for employment-based visa sponsorships, particularly with J-1s, H-1Bs, TNs, O’s and other relevant visa holders

• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with faculty, University administrators, student organizations, private and public agencies, and others in committee work; advise student organizations on effective organizational and event management; ensure student safety

• Coordinates and inputs electronic data into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS); and works closely with other departments to coordinate data collection and transfer into SEVIS. 

• Maintain a high sensitivity to diverse cultural needs of students; maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive communications with employees and external agencies; recognize multicultural value systems and works accordingly; may work with the Title IX office to provide services to students

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

• Sitting using near vision use for reading and computer use for extended periods of time

• Lifting (approximately 20 to 30 pounds), bending and other physical exertion