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Designated School Official Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) for SEVIS (Student Exchange and Visitor Information Services) purposes and advise international students on immigration matters (SEVIS registration each ...

Work as a Designated School Official (DSO) in SEVIS to maintain student records, assist with processing documents for incoming and current F-1 international students, and perform the following ...

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Designated School Official information

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How much do designated school official jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for designated school official in the United States is $21.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a designated school official?

Designated School Officials (DSOs) are school employees authorized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to support international students in the F and M visa categories. DSOs act as liaisons between the school, international students, and federal immigration authorities. They are responsible for issuing and maintaining student records in SEVIS, advising students on maintaining their visa status, and ensuring institutional compliance with immigration regulations. DSOs also help students understand and follow rules regarding enrollment, employment, and travel while in the United States.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a designated school official?

To thrive as a Designated School Official (DSO), you need in-depth knowledge of federal immigration regulations, student advising experience, and typically a bachelor’s degree. Familiarity with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and completion of required SEVP training are essential. Strong attention to detail, cultural sensitivity, and excellent communication skills help DSOs effectively guide international students and ensure institutional compliance. These competencies are crucial for maintaining legal status for students and safeguarding the school’s authorization to enroll international students.

What challenges do designated school officials face when managing international student compliance?

Designated School Officials (DSOs) often encounter challenges such as staying updated with frequent changes in immigration regulations, accurately maintaining student records in the SEVIS system, and effectively communicating complex visa requirements to students. Balancing these compliance duties with providing support to international students can be demanding, especially during peak periods like enrollment or travel seasons. Successful DSOs stay organized, proactively seek training, and build strong relationships with campus departments and students to ensure both compliance and student success.

What is the difference between Designated School Official vs International Student Advisor?

AspectDesignated School OfficialInternational Student Advisor
CredentialsSEVIS certification, immigration law knowledgeSEVIS certification, student support experience
Work EnvironmentDesignated school, immigration complianceEducational institutions, student services
Employer & IndustrySchools, colleges, universitiesEducational institutions, student affairs

Both roles often require SEVIS certification and involve working within educational settings. The Designated School Official primarily manages immigration compliance and SEVIS reporting, while the International Student Advisor focuses on supporting international students' academic and personal needs. Although overlapping, the DSO has a more compliance-focused role, whereas the advisor emphasizes student support services.

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Infographic showing various Designated School Official job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,000 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Designated School Official

Anderson, SC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Anderson University's International Graduate School invites applications for a full-time Designated School Official (DSO). Anderson University is an innovative, entrepreneurial, premier comprehensive liberal arts university affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention. Candidates with a strong Christian faith, commitment to Christian higher education, and dedication to integrating faith and learning are encouraged to apply.
The Designated School Official (DSO) is a federally authorized position responsible for maintaining compliance with Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) regulations while supporting the academic, cultural, and immigration-related success of international students enrolled under the F-1 visa classification. Serving as a primary point of contact for international students, this position maintains accurate SEVIS records, issues and transfers Forms I-20, authorizes Curricular Practical Training (CPT), recommends Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT extensions, and processes program extensions, reduced course loads, school transfers, and changes of educational level. The DSO advises students regarding visa regulations, status maintenance, employment authorization, travel, visa renewals, and other immigration-related concerns while assisting with Social Security and DMV documentation and supporting students as they navigate U.S. government processes. This position also monitors student enrollment to ensure ongoing compliance with federal regulations, responds to compliance inquiries, and collaborates with faculty, academic advisors, the Registrar's Office, Financial Aid, and other campus partners to promote international student success. Additional responsibilities include assisting with orientations, workshops, and outreach programming designed to support regulatory awareness and student engagement.
Knowledge equivalent to that gained through a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and previous work experience in international student services, immigration advising, or a closely related higher education role is preferred. Candidates must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents as required by federal regulations. The successful candidate will possess working knowledge of F-1 student visa regulations, SEVIS, and the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), along with the ability to accurately interpret and apply complex federal regulations. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to manage multiple priorities are essential. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds are required. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and student information systems is expected; experience with Banner, Workday, Terra Dotta, Sunapsis, VIA, or similar systems is preferred.
A commitment to quality relationships, warmth, excellence, and Christ-like service is essential, as is a commitment to the academic and Christ-centered mission of Anderson University. This hybrid position requires approximately 30% travel to instructional sites and graduate intensives in South Carolina, Texas, Florida, and other locations as needed to support international student orientations, workshops, and immigration advising.
About our Commitment to Fairness in Employment
Anderson University does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, age, religion, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other basis on which the University is prohibited from discrimination under the local, state, or federal law, in its employment or in the provision of its services, including but not limited to its programs and activities, admissions, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other University-administered programs. As a Christian institution of higher education, Anderson University is entitled to certain religious accommodations under federal and state law, including Title IX of the Education Amendments Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. For questions or concerns contact the Office of Human Resources at hr@andersonuniversity.edu.