International Student Adv. III (Finance)

USF World is led by a VP and is comprised of units across Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota devoted to promoting ed abroad; supporting international students and scholars, the management of international partnerships, international travel risk and security services, management of the Peace Corps Prep and support for a dedicated recruiter, tracking and documenting international research collaborations and the global footprint of faculty, students and staff, collection of data related to international activities at the University, international alumni development and outreach, and the marketing and communication of USF World programs and initiatives. Comprising a total of over 70 staff and a budget of approximately $4.5 M, clients are USF faculty developing international academic experiences, curriculum, and research collaborations, administrators promoting the global priorities of USF, staff responsible for supporting international activities across campuses, colleges, and other units, current and prospective students coming to USF from other countries and U.S. students seeking global experiences as well as university partners from abroad and foreign dignitaries. Community partners include local, state, national, and international leaders of government and public and private organizations, including other institutions of higher ed, military, business, and industry.

This position serves as a technical expert on F-1 student applications for curricular practical training (CPT), optional practical training (OPT), and STEM Extension OPT. The International Student Advisor III provides timely immigration assistance and advising to international students; producing and updating immigration documents (I-20) in the Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), processing student requests and answering immigration related inquiries, advising on cultural and adjustment needs, and advocating for international students within and outside the University. The position is part of a team dedicated to providing international students, scholars, and staff with the best possible service, information and programming.Minimum Qualifications

This position requires a Masters degree preferably in Education, International Relations or Communications or a Bachelors degree in those same fields with a minimum of three to five years' experience in international student advising F-1/J-1 international students on immigration matters. Work experience may not be substituted for the Bachelors degree requirement for this position. United States citizenship or lawful permanent resident required by DHS for access to SEVIS system.

Preferred Qualifications

Three to five years' experience as a Designated School Official (DSO) in SEVIS.
Three to five years' experience in an international student office advising F-1/J-1 international students on immigration matters.
Exposure to international education as demonstrated by living in a different country, working or studying in a different country, or working with an international student population.
Experience with software for batching to SEVIS; such as SUNAPSIS and experience with university student database such as OASIS Banner.

FLSB1310 Equivalency:
4 years of directly relevant experience may be substituted for bachelor's degree.
6 years of directly relevant experience may be substituted for master's degree.Working at USF
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With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
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About USF
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The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu .
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Compliance and Federal Notices
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This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
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Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws :
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Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
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Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) in the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) operated by the Department of Homeland Security. Advises international students on immigration regulations pertaining to their visa status including assisting with the application procedures associated with practical training (CPT, OPT, STEM Extension OPT), providing information about reporting requirements associated with practical training; providing information and education on maintaining immigration status and complying with immigration regulations; and how to obtain appropriate immigration benefits. Responsible for updates to SEVIS including but not limited to curricular practical training, optional practical training, STEM Extension OPT, employment reporting, cap gap, practical training unemployment days, and 6/12/18/24 month STEM Extension OPT reporting, update visa/status, changes to program, transferring in/out, and travel signatures.

Collaborates with various departments/offices at USF and employers throughout the US to assist students to maintain immigration status and obtain allowable immigration benefits. Assists with the mandatory reporting of international student data for F-1 visa holders via batch interface and real-time SEVIS. This includes but is not limited to updates and changes to students records due to semester reports, practical training, enrollment reports, record updates/corrections, and initial verification (check in) of immigration documents of all new students.

Participates in planning and implementing check-in (orientation) sessions for incoming students, conducts workshops/session on immigration, culture, or other adjustment topics, and assist with all office programming and events. Essential personnel in the event of crisis.

Maintain knowledge of U.S. immigration policies, USCIS regulations, and SEVIS procedures by attending professional development workshops and conferences, reading government publications, and staying current on immigration topics.