Fermilab

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IMMIGRATION SPECIALIST

Batavia, IL

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Security Clearance: None

We are:

Fermilab is America’s premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois as well as other locations around the world including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, and additionally the South Pole!

Fermilab’ s Human Resources team is seeking an Immigration Specialist. Under general direction responsible for nonimmigrant visa administration for foreign employees and Visiting Scientists appropriate for their Fermilab activities. Responsible for advising managers on nonimmigrant visa regulations, procedures and their effects on employment or assignments ensuring that no lapses of status occur as the result of Visa Office oversight; responsible for administration, maintenance and audit of all related regulatory paperwork and the provision of timely and accurate foreign visa guidance to employees, users, and visitors undertaking long term international assignments on behalf of Fermilab.

You will:

Review and analyze the U.S. immigration and personal histories of non-U.S. citizen’s employees, users, and visitors to evaluate eligibility for visa classification, presence of grounds of inadmissibility issues, or other potential obstacles in acquiring a classification or visa
Advise on nonimmigrant visa type appropriate for the non-U.S. citizen’s activities at the Laboratory; captures needed information for preparation of J or H visa documentation, including legally required notifications, for new and ongoing employees, users, visitors and family members.
Serve as primary contact and operational administrator for J-1 programs by preparing and issuing needed Forms DS-2019, validating visa holders’ “good standing” for travel purposes, tracking document validity against Laboratory term appointments and status duration, and advising relevant parties of imminently needed appointment/visa extension decisions. Ensures Lab is meeting requirements to maintain J-1 program status.
Maintain the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) for employees and visitors who hold J-1 status and their J-2 dependent family members.
Prepare initial and extension Labor Conditions Attestations and petitions/applications needed for H visa acquisition and maintenance to ensure employee and family member status is acquired and extended in a timely manner.
Tracks H status duration to prevent lapses of status or inadvertent errors.
Prepare and submit petitions on behalf of FRA/Fermilab to enable employment of non-U.S. employees, provides documentation and resolves visa related problems as required.
Assists in development, implementation and operation of policies and procedures associated with long term assignment of FRA/Fermilab employees away from the Fermilab site.
Provide guidance to employees and visitors on visa applications processes, payment of required fees and appropriate conduct during visa application and admission into the U.S.
Research changes in government agencies regulations and policy, SEVIS changes, or other events that affect internal processes, procedures or operation of J-1 programs operated by the Lab; prepares validation, re-validation ad re-designation filings and/or annual reports to ensure continued operation J-visa programs.
Assist in implementation of internal PERM Labor Certification process. Learns and anticipates interdependence between the U.S. Department of Labor’s “Labor Certification” process and the permanent residency process in creation of long-term immigration strategies for employees. Provides relevant U.S. nonimmigrant and immigrant strategy recommendations.
Advise managers and other Laboratory personnel on visa related issues and problems associated with proposed hiring actions, promotions or terminations.
Evaluate and advise employees on “real life” issues relating to status, employment, travel and other life events as they affect their nonimmigrant visa classification and activities within the Lab.
Assist with and advise foreign employees on eligibility for desired nonimmigrant statuses and/or permanent residence, legal provisions or restrictions, changes in government agency procedures or policies, and other matters related to their current and/or potential future visa status.
Assist with research on, preparation and distribution of guidance material on U.S. visa and foreign visa and travel topics; provides timely and relevant U.S. visa related information to Comp employees, users, and visitors via individual contact, periodic lectures and meetings, revisions to the Visa Office webpage, and through other media.
Assist in maintenance of Visa Office webpage to reflect current information, critical announcements or procedural changes by relevant government agencies; maintains up-to-date knowledge of such news or changes, and identifies and researches corollary issues proactively
Assist in review and evaluation of document retention systems supporting nonimmigrant visa actions and I-9 documentation, with reference to current regulations, government agency practice/policies. and recommends changes in response to revised requirements, emerging conditions or new “best practices”.
Assist in visa/immigration-related special projects within the Campus Access and Experience Office.
Contribute optimally within a diverse workforce and upholds Fermilab’s dedication to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
We are looking for:

Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies preferred or Business/HR or related field and minimum of 3+ years of experience or equivalent.
Possesses and applies fundamental knowledge of concept, practices, and procedures in specific subject areas.
Strong visa processing knowledge and experience specifically with B, F, H, J, M, O and residency visa types, visa application & processing.
Attendance at conferences arranged by law firms or legally based interest organizations (e.g., ACIP) is highly desired.
Proven self-starter that can thrive in a constantly evolving environment.
Ability to prioritize workload, balance multiple tasks while using the capability and capacity to meet deadlines.
Ability to handle highly sensitive information with absolute confidentiality and integrity.
Excellent written, verbal communication skills.
Sophisticated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and case management systems.
Relocation is not available for this position

Physical Activity and Work Conditions:

Human Factors: Mental Concentration, Sitting, Standing, Demanding Work Schedule

Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time.
All FRA employees are required to be vaccinated for COVID-19, unless the employee is legally entitled to an accommodation based on a medical condition/disability or a sincerely held religious belief.

Fermilab is an Equal Opportunity Employer and believes a diverse and inclusive environment based on mutual respect is critical to our mission. Fermilab is committed to recruiting and developing the most hardworking people and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, country of birth, geography/postal code, disability, marital status, parental or gestational status, or other non-merit factor.