J-1 Specialist

POSITION OBJECTIVE 

Working with limited supervision, the J-1 Specialist has primary responsibility for the university¿s J-1 Scholar program. The J-1 Specialist works with the VISA Associate Director and is responsible for following IRS Publication 901 and confirming the tax treaty information is accurate within university records to ensure foreign nationals receive the correct tax treaty benefits. The J-1 Specialist also assists the H-1B Specialist in advising international faculty, staff, and scholars to ensure successful integration into the workplace and local community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Develop and maintain a clear understanding of all university programs to hire and retain non-US workers. Stay updated with the latest immigration policies, regulations, and changes affecting international employees. Maintain knowledge of visa requirements, work limitations, travel restrictions, etc. Partner with and provide guidance to departments/supervisors on visa options for international candidates or staff. Advise the university community on complicated visa issues under federal regulations, as well as related university policies and procedures. Ensure compliance with any changes in the rules and communicate updates to the international community. (10%)

Serve as an Alternate Responsible Officer for the University¿s Exchange Visitor Program. Provide guidance, support, and assistance to individuals, departments, and supervisors involved in the J-1 visa process. Provide expertise and counsel to nonimmigrant workers regarding the J-1 program, including preparation of J-1 visa applications and maintenance of SEVIS database, meeting with international visitors upon check in, and otherwise ensuring compliance with the regulations set by the U.S. Department of State and other federal agencies. (15%)

Facilitate J-1 application process, monitor J-1 scholar program activities, and maintain J-1 scholar program records using Immigration Case Management (fka LawLogix) and SEVIS. Assist visa applicants in gathering the necessary documentation, including application forms, letters of support, and funding documentation. Evaluate applications independently to assess the eligibility of individuals to participate in J-1 visa programs, including reviewing applications, evaluating qualifications, determining specific J-1 visa category, and verifying that the proposed activities align. Prepare government documents (Forms DS-2019). Support J-1 visa participants throughout their program, answer questions, address concerns, and offer advice on matters related to visa regulations, travel, housing, healthcare, and cultural adjustment. Serve as a point of contact between designated sponsors, government agencies, and program participants. Provide orientation presentations and materials to J-1 scholars as required by federal regulations. Facilitate program oversight, monitor participants¿ progress, and resolve any issues that may arise during the program. (The Associate Director is responsible for J-1 students and J-1 student interns.) (40%)

International Tax Treaty Benefits: Along with the VISA Associate Director and the H-1B Specialist, be responsible for providing international employees with information regarding registration with Sprintax Calculus for tax analyses. Interact with international employees regarding tax issues and inquiries and provide assistance to them in the use of Sprintax Calculus. Run regular reports from Sprintax and enter appropriate tax information in HCM. Working with the Payroll Office, audit the bi-monthly payroll reports and proper taxing of foreign workforce with respect to tax treaty benefits. Work with Sprintax, [U]Tech, HR, and/or the Controller¿s Office as needed on issues, training, etc. (10%)

Assist in the university¿s H-1B program, including preparing new H-1B nonimmigrant worker petitions, ex