Immigration Advisor

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 four days on campus and one day 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:

[email protected]

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

To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.

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.

Current Employees:

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Online Submission Guidelines:

Most positions at Cornell will require you to apply online and submit both a resume/CV and cover letter.  You can upload documents either by “dragging and dropping” them into the dropbox or by using the “upload” icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website.

Employment Assistance:

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email [email protected].

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at [email protected].

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing [email protected].

Notice to Applicants:

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

2026-10-12