Senior Visa Administration Specialist

Primary Work Address: 19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, VA, 20147

Current HHMI Employees, click here to apply via your Workday account.

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Janelia Research Campus is a pioneering research center in Ashburn, Virginia, where scientists pursue fundamental questions in the life sciences. Our integrated teams of biologists, computational scientists, and tool-builders innovate research practices and technologies to solve biology's deepest mysteries. HHMI launched Janelia in 2006, establishing an intellectually enriching environment for scientists to do creative, collaborative, hands-on work. We share our methods, results, and tools with the scientific community.

• 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!

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.