Visa Program Specialist

Primary Work Address: 4000 Jones Bridge Road, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815

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

HHMI is focused on supporting and moving science forward in a variety of different ways ranging from conducting basic biomedical research, empowering educators, inspiring students, developing the next generation of scientists – even stretching into film and media production. Our Headquarters is in the greater Washington, DC metro area and is home to over 300 employees with expertise in investments, communications, digital production, biomedical sciences, and everything in between. The work housed here supports and augments the groundbreaking research conducted in HHMI labs across the nation. As HHMI scientists continue to push boundaries in laboratories and classrooms, you can be sure that your contributions while working here are making a difference.

Summary:

You will provide comprehensive visa and immigration services to foreign national staff sponsored by HHMI. With a diligent eye for detail, passion for accuracy, and excellent customer service skills, you will act as an internal advisor on various matters related to visa sponsorship and I-9 compliance. By demonstrating your ability to collaborate with multiple partners and problem-solve visa services matters, you will help the Visa Administration team deliver an exceptional candidate experience while contributing to hiring diverse and qualified talent for HHMI scientific labs.

This is a limited-time employment opportunity for 12 months with the possibility of extension.

What we provide:

• A direct role in supporting critical work that impacts HHMI’s mission of advancing biomedical research for the benefit of humanity.

• An organization committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic science.

• A dynamic team that believes in collaboration and continuous learning while delivering results in a fast-paced environment.

• A competitive compensation package that includes up to $10,000 in educational assistance annually!

• A hybrid work arrangement, with the expectation of being on-site at our Chevy Chase office three days a week.

What you'll do:

• Analyze foreign nationals’ visa sponsorship case documents and prepare appropriate (H1-B, TN, F1/OPT, and J-1) immigration applications for filing with the corresponding government agency.

• Review and answer correspondence received in the visa administration support mailbox. When necessary, raise to appropriate parties for counsel and resolution.

• Perform wage analysis, document review, and case preparation for Department of Labor LCA ’s. Prepare and maintain compliant Public Access Files.

• Interact with USCIS and Department of Labor offices on HHMI's behalf to facilitate timely visa process adjudication.

• Monitor and communicate visa processing status to foreign nationals, managers, and collaborators.

• Counsel foreign national employees, managers, and other collaborators about potential issues related to travel outside the United States while on a work visa.

• Provide I-9 and employment eligibility verification guidance to People & Culture staff. Monitor and audit compliance records.

• Keep current in all immigration and visa sponsorship laws and regulations through formal and informal training, such as participation in local and national professional organizations.

What you bring:

• A bachelor’s degree in business administration, human resources, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.

• Three to 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.

• Proficiency with I-9 and employment eligibility process.

• 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 timeframes.

Physical Requirements:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more. 

Compensation Range

$69,575.68 (minimum) - $86,969.60 (midpoint) - $113,060.48 (maximum)

Pay Type:

Annual

HHMI’s salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer