Senior Visa Administration Specialist

Under the supervision of the Manager, Visa Administration, you will collaborate with internal parties (e.g., hiring managers, legal department, etc.) and external partners (e.g., USCIS, host institutions' international offices, outside counsel, etc.) to prepare and submit new visa applications, visa extensions, change of status, transfers, and permanent residence applications for foreign nationals visiting and working at HHMI's Janelia Research Campus.

Please Note: This position requires 10% travel to HQ (Chevy Chase, MD) for meetings and training, and occasional travel to regional HHMI offices across the United States.

• A direct role in hiring international scientists contributing to HHMI's mission of advancing biomedical research for the benefit of humanity.

• A dynamic team environment where collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning is encouraged and celebrated.

• A total rewards package that includes competitive pay, outstanding health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs.

• A hybrid work arrangement, with the expectation of being on-site at our Janelia Research Campus three days a week.

• Amenities that enhance work-life balance: free on-site gym, social and dining spaces, and a convenient shuttle bus service!

Visa Administration

• Analyze case documents for foreign nationals and prepare immigration applications (H-1B, TN, F1/OPT, and J1) for submission to the relevant government agencies.

• Respond to "Requests for Evidence" (RFEs) from USCIS regarding H-1B applications.

• Review and respond to inquiries received in the visa administration support mailbox, raising complex issues with the appropriate parties for guidance.

• Conduct wage analysis, document review, and case preparation for Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) in support of visa petitions.

• Interact with USCIS and Department of Labor offices on behalf of HHMI to facilitate the timely adjudication of visa processes.

• Serve as the Alternate Responsible Officer for HHMI's J-1 program, maintaining SEVIS records and monitoring J-1 activities.

• Assist with various visa administration projects and other program expansion opportunities.

Counseling

• Provide ongoing guidance to foreign national employees on their visa application, immigration journey, international travel requirements and considerations, and other related topics.

• Support the onboarding and orientation processes for foreign national employees.

• Partner with key parties to review and resolve complex situations involving foreign nationals.

Training & Compliance

• Recommend and deliver training programs and informational workshops to internal parties and foreign nationals.

• Assist HR generalists with I-9 and E-Verify process requirements. Monitor compliance records.

• Stay current on all immigration laws and regulations through formal and informal training and participation in local and national professional organizations.

• A bachelor's degree in business administration, human resources, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.

• Five years of hands-on experience processing H1-B, J-1, F1-OPT, and TN visas.

• Prior experience working in an international office at a university, an immigration attorney's office, or a government agency using visa management systems is desired.

• Immigration management system, SEVIS, and Workday experience are a plus.

• Proficiency with I-9, E-Verify, and employment eligibility policies and processes.

• Ability to analyze and interpret immigration laws and regulations.

• Excellent attention to detail.

• Strong oral and written communication skills.

• Good analytical and decision-making skills.

• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and anticipate and meet deadlines.