Immigration Specialist

Lubbock

41946BR

International Affairs

Position Description

Serve as a key resource across the university in addressing immigration-related matters specific to the recruitment, employment, and continued engagement of international faculty and staff in nonimmigrant visa categories. In collaboration with the International Affairs office, the employee will provide guidance on immigration regulations to support the university's broader academic and research initiatives. Additionally, the employee will manage and oversee immigration cases originally initiated by external legal counsel to ensure continuity and compliance. The employee will be responsible for preparing and filing cases sponsored by the university including faculty and staff, while also maintaining comprehensive knowledge and expertise in related immigration matters affecting university-affiliated individuals, including F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors engaged in Optional Practical Training (OPT). Although the employee will not serve as an attorney for the university or practice law, the employee will work closely with the TTU System Office of General Counsel and outside counsel.

About the University

Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral/Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world.
About Lubbock:Referred to as the "Hub City" because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock's Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories.

Major/Essential Functions

• Oversee high-volume of employment-based immigration cases for faculty and staff including immigrant and non-immigrant cases with USCIS, DOL, and the Department of State.
• Act as the primary campus resource on immigration regulations, collaborating with International Affairs to ensure compliance in the on boarding, hiring, and retention of international faculty and staff on non-immigrant visas.
• Prepare all necessary legal documents, including applications, petitions, appeals, and waivers.
• Research and analyze complex immigration law issues.
• Monitor and keep abreast of all changes in immigration law.
• Provide advice when questions arise for legal interpretation for International Affairs and Texas Tech administration.
• Develop strategies to resolve immigration-related issues at state and federal levels.
• Participate in university and International Affairs meetings and committees as appropriate.

Required Qualifications

J.D. degree from an accredited U.S. Law School. 5 years' experience of in-depth immigration work performed on a routine daily basis and possess a thorough understanding in H-1B, E-3, TN and TN and O-1 visas, in addition to Employment-Based sponsorship processes including but not limited to: EB-2 Standard Labor Certification process, EB-1(a) Extraordinary Ability, and EB-1(b) Outstanding Professor and Researcher.

Preferred Qualifications

• J.D. degree from an accredited U.S. Law School.
• Licensed in Texas preferable.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with a strong focus on client service.
• Proactive and effective in both independent and team settings.
• High level of accuracy and attentiveness.
• Capable of handling diverse responsibilities in a time-sensitive, fast-moving workplace.

Safety Information

Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.

Does this position work in a research laboratory?

No

Required Attachments

Cover Letter, Professional License or Certification, Professional/Personal References, Resume / CV

Optional Attachments

Recommendation/Referral

Job Type

Full Time

Pay Basis

Monthly

Minimum Hire Rate

salary commensurate with related education, experience and/or skills

Pay Statement

Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan. For additional information, please reference the institutional pay plan by visiting www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/payplan.

Travel Required

Up to 25%

Shift

Day

Grant Funded?

No

Job Group

Legal Professionals

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.