OPT Student Advisor Jobs
Student Advisor roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students, especially those with degrees in education, counseling, psychology, or social work. Most positions qualify as specialty occupations for OPT purposes. Cap-gap protection applies if you're transitioning to H-1B visa sponsorship, and STEM OPT extensions may be available at qualifying institutions.
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REQUIRED: Faith Statement with regular worship attendance
Job Summary
The Student Accounts Advisor serves the business office functions of the Phoenix sites and supports the Student Accounts Manager for the Arizona Campus. Processes student account receivables, tuition assistance, veterans’ assistance, and financial aid. Takes payment and monitors aging accounts. Assists with planning graduations.
Responsibilities
- Provide accurate and timely assistance to students regarding accounts.
- Provide accurate and timely information to Campus Student Accounts Manager, Phoenix Site Coordinator, Executive Director/Campus Dean, and Main Campus when required.
- Assists with accounts payable.
- Receive payments, and properly record information into the WBU databases.
- Provides biweekly and monthly reports to appropriate personnel.
- Assist in annual audit of student accounts.
- Support students in understanding and applying for funding (TA, VA, FA).
- Assist Student Accounts Manager in processing Tuition Assistance, FAFSA files, scholarships, VA certifications, and employer reimbursements.
- Take incoming phone calls tactfully and courteously.
- Assist the Site Coordinator and the office staff to meet the needs of the site.
- Travel may be required as determined by the Dean or Site Coordinator.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.
- Knowledge of how to apply Christian principles in the workplace is required.
- One (1) year of office-related experience is preferred.
- Must have no delinquent or defaulted Student Loans. A credit check may be conducted to ensure the requirement is met.
Skills and Abilities
- Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- An in-depth understanding of, and commitment to, the “team” and “servant leadership” concepts are essential to advancing the Arizona Campus mission.
- Excellent computer skills are required.
- Must be an excellent manager of time.
Physical Demands
- Frequently stand and walk;
- Frequently flex upper trunk forward while sitting or standing;
- Frequently lift up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds;
- Frequently carry up to 10 pounds and occasionally carry up to 25 pounds;
- Occasionally push or pull objects;
- Occasionally flex upper trunk forward at the waist and partially flex at the knees;
- Frequently reach at or below shoulder height, and occasionally reach above shoulder height.
Conditions of Employment
- Employment is subject to an introductory period to monitor employee performance. If hired, the prospective employee must present documentation within three (3) days of hire date to establish their identity and employment eligibility as required by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Employee must be able and willing to travel. Must be able to operate a licensed motor vehicle and possess a valid state driver’s license or have access to reliable transportation. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driver’s record.
Wayland Baptist University does not illegally discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or genetic information. Under federal law, the university may discriminate on the basis of religion in order to fulfill its mission and purposes.
This position is an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about Christian Higher Education and dedicated to supporting student success.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Student Advisor
Target universities and community colleges first
Higher education institutions hire Student Advisors regularly and are familiar with OPT work authorization. They often have dedicated HR teams experienced in processing EAD cards, making the onboarding process smoother than at smaller organizations unfamiliar with F-1 status.
Connect your degree directly to the role
OPT authorization requires your job to relate to your field of study. A degree in counseling, higher education administration, or social work maps clearly to Student Advisor duties. Be explicit about this connection in your resume and cover letter to reassure employers.
Raise OPT after demonstrating fit, not before
Bring up your work authorization status after the employer is interested in you, not in your opening message. Once they see your qualifications clearly align with the role, OPT is a straightforward conversation rather than an immediate screening question.
Ask specifically about STEM OPT eligibility
If your degree is in a STEM-designated field and the institution qualifies, you may be eligible for a 24-month OPT extension. Confirming this early helps you plan your job search timeline and gives employers more runway before any H-1B visa petition is needed.
Highlight relevant practicum or internship experience
Student Advisor hiring managers look for direct advising, coaching, or case management experience. Any CPT or prior OPT internships in student services, academic support, or counseling carry significant weight and demonstrate you can perform the role from day one.
Use Migrate Mate to find OPT-friendly openings
Searching for employers already open to OPT saves time and reduces rejection. Migrate Mate filters Student Advisor roles by visa sponsorship willingness, so you spend your effort on applications where your work authorization status won't be an immediate disqualifier.
Student Advisor OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Student Advisor role qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes, Student Advisor positions generally qualify for OPT as long as the role relates directly to your field of study. Degrees in counseling, education, psychology, higher education administration, or social work all support a clear connection. Your DSO can confirm the relationship between your specific degree and the job duties before you accept an offer.
Can I work as a Student Advisor on a STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree. If you hold a degree in a STEM-designated field, such as educational psychology or data-focused social science programs, and your employer is E-Verify enrolled, you may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Many university employers are E-Verify enrolled by default, which makes this pathway more accessible for Student Advisor roles in higher education settings.
How do I find Student Advisor employers who are open to hiring OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the most efficient way to find Student Advisor roles where employers are already open to OPT work authorization. General job boards surface a large volume of postings with no filter for visa sponsorship willingness, which wastes your limited OPT time. Targeting employers with a documented history of hiring international students significantly improves your conversion rate.
What happens to my OPT if my Student Advisor contract ends before my EAD expires?
You have a 60-day grace period after your employment ends to find a new position, transfer to a different visa status, or depart the United States. During this period you cannot work. If you secure a new Student Advisor role, your DSO updates your SEVIS record to reflect the new employer. Starting your job search before your current position ends gives you the most time to transition without gaps.
Do Student Advisor employers typically sponsor H-1B visas after OPT?
Universities and large educational institutions are among the more H-1B-friendly employer types because they often qualify as cap-exempt employers, meaning they can file H-1B petitions year-round without entering the lottery. Smaller nonprofits and private schools may be cap-subject. Asking about long-term sponsorship intentions during the offer stage, not the interview, is generally the right approach.