Immigration Advisor (Two Positions Available)

About the Department
The Office of Global Learning supports Cornell's vibrant international community by helping students navigate complex immigration regulations and maintain their visa status while pursuing their academic goals. Our team is committed to delivering exceptional service, accurate guidance, and compassionate support to thousands of international students from around the world.
The Opportunity
Do you enjoy helping others navigate complex processes while making a meaningful impact on their lives?
Cornell University is seeking two Immigration Advisors to join our highly respected and collaborative International Services team. These positions offer a unique opportunity to partner with international students, helping them understand immigration regulations, maintain legal status, and successfully pursue their educational goals.
We are hiring for:
One ongoing, continuing position
One 12-month term appointment, with the potential for extension based on business needs and funding approvals
Whether you bring prior immigration experience or have a strong background in higher education, student services, advising, customer service, or case management, we welcome candidates who are eager to learn, highly detail-oriented, and committed to supporting student success.
This role offers extensive training, mentorship from experienced professionals, and the opportunity to develop a specialized skill set that can grow into a rewarding long-term career.
What you’ll Do
As an Immigration Advisor, you will:
Advise international students regarding F-1 and J-1 immigration regulations.
Review requests and immigration documentation for accuracy and compliance.
Assist students with maintaining lawful immigration status throughout their academic journey.
Meet with students through in-person and virtual appointments.
Respond to inquiries from students, academic departments, advisors, and campus partners.
Maintain accurate case records and documentation in university systems.
Interpret and apply federal regulations, university policies, and established procedures.
Collaborate closely with colleagues to ensure consistent and accurate guidance.
Participate in professional development and immigration-related training opportunities.
Contribute to a highly supportive team environment focused on student success.
What We Need
Associate’s degree or equivalent education and work experience required.
Minimum of four years’ experience in student services, teaching, counseling, overseas development work, or a closely related field.
Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
The ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
Empathy, active listening skills, and commitment to outstanding customer service.
Sound judgment and the ability to apply policies consistently.
The confidence to establish and maintain professional boundaries when necessary.
Strong collaboration skills and a willingness to seek guidance and ask questions.
The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
It Would Be a Bonus if You Have Any of the Following
Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience advising international students.
Knowledge of F-1 and/or J-1 immigration regulations.
Designated School Official (DSO) experience.
Experience working in a college or university setting.
Familiarity with PeopleSoft or other student information systems.
Experience preparing presentations, reports, or training materials.
Advanced skills with Microsoft Office applications.
Important Notes About Applying·
A resume and cover letter outlining your interest and how your experience and goals align with the potential for mutual success in the role are required for consideration.
This position is based in Ithaca, NY and is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement of three days on campus and two days remote. To support onboarding and initial training, the selected candidate will be expected to work fully on site during the first 90 days.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Rewards and Benefits
Cornell received national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.
Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.
Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell
Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell
Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: Total Rewards | Working at Cornell.
University Job Title:
Student Services Asst V
Job Family:
Student Services
Level:
E
Pay Rate Type:
Hourly
Pay Range:
$29.45 - $31.66
Remote Option Availability:
Onsite
Company:
Contact Name:
Shallena Cunningham
Contact Email:
sdc93@cornell.edu
Job Titles and Pay Ranges:
Non-Union Positions
Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:
Prior relevant work or industry experience
Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position
Unique applicable skills
Academic Discipline
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Union Positions
The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.
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