What Does an International Student Advisor Do?
International students have to keep their visa status in order through every course change, trip home and new job. International student advisors, based in a college's international office, help them do it: they update the federal records that track each student, sign travel and work documents and talk students through problems from lost funding to homesickness.
Also known as: International Education Professional, International Student Documentation Coordinator, International Student and Scholar Advisor, International Scholar Advisor, International Faculty and Staff Advisor
International Student Advisor Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of an international student advisor include:
- Update student records in SEVIS, the federal database that tracks international students, as their status changes.
- Issue I-20 forms as a designated school official after checking admission and proof of funding.
- Advise students on keeping their F-1 or J-1 status, including course load, travel and work rules.
- Recommend Optional Practical Training and authorize Curricular Practical Training for eligible students.
- Run orientation sessions on immigration rules, US classroom culture and life in the local area.
- Sign travel documents so students can leave the country and return without problems.
- Meet with students facing crises, such as losing funding, failing classes or family emergencies abroad.
- Report required changes, such as withdrawals and address updates, within federal deadlines.
- Train faculty and academic advisors on how enrollment decisions affect an international student's status.
- Plan cultural programs and friendship events that connect international and domestic students.
Required Skills and Qualifications
To succeed as an international student advisor, you will need the following skills and qualifications:
- Working knowledge of F-1 and J-1 immigration rules
- SEVIS and a case system such as Sunapsis or Terra Dotta
- Cross-cultural communication
- Second language skills, such as Mandarin, Hindi, Arabic or Spanish
- Precision with federal deadlines and forms
- Calm crisis support for students far from home
- Experience living or studying abroad
- NAFSA training or conference involvement
Education and Training
Entry is open to graduates of many fields, as international offices are interested in advisors from a range of backgrounds, including languages, counseling and international relations. Documentation roles may be open without a master's degree, but advisors with one in higher education or international education will have an advantage over other applicants. Time spent studying abroad may also help.
Salary and Job Outlook
Typical pay: $51,270 - $82,870 per year, with a median of $64,330.
The range covers the middle half of earners nationwide. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors.
According to BLS, employment of educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors is projected to grow about 3 percent from 2025 to 2035. Openings for the whole group, which includes school counselors and academic advisors, come to roughly 27,800 a year. Demand for international advisors often is tied to international enrollment and federal visa policy, but campuses with overseas students always will need staff who can keep those students in status.
Outlook source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2025 to 2035, Educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors.