OPT University Registrar Jobs
University Registrar roles sit at the intersection of academic administration and data governance, making them a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in higher education, public administration, or information systems. Your 12-month OPT window (29 months with a STEM extension) gives you enough runway to demonstrate impact in enrollment systems, degree auditing, and compliance workflows.
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Get Access To All JobsSUMMARY
In support of the university’s mission and objectives, the Registrar Assistant serves as the first point of contact in the Registrar’s office, assists students with course registration, and processes documents efficiently. This role includes managing student records, handling inquiries, and supporting Registrar events and functions. This position also provides backup support to ensure smooth office operations.
Customer Service
- Greets and welcomes those entering the office in a friendly manner and provides answers or assistance as needed.
- Promptly answers Registrar main phoneline, screens and routes calls as needed, and returns missed calls daily.
- Directs students to the appropriate colleague for appointments or assistance.
- Answers general questions regarding policies and procedures.
- Accesses student data to provide initial assistance in answering questions.
- Addresses registration-related inquiries, conflicts, and issues promptly and effectively, collaborating with relevant stakeholders to find solutions.
- Assists in entering student registration information into the university's registration system, ensuring completeness and accuracy of course selections, class times, and instructor assignments.
- Maintains detailed records of student registration activity, correspondence, and student withdrawal decisions for future reference and reporting purposes.
- Manages e-mails in the Registrar inbox.
- Assists the Registrar with supply orders, departmental requisitions, work orders, and purchasing reconciliation.
Document Processing
- Manages incoming and outgoing mail and assists with the packaging and mailing of diplomas.
- Distributes academic forms received to the appropriate colleague(s) and assists with processing forms, as needed.
- Maintains student academic records and files, scans and indexes paper documents.
Support Registrar Functions
- Assists with Commencement and other Registrar’s Office events.
- Cross-trains with other staff in the Registrar’s Office.
- Provides backup support for the Registrar team.
- Other duties as assigned.
Education
Post high school training required; bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent experience.
Experience
1+ years’ experience in higher education, academic operations, or student services, preferred.
ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
- Customer Service Orientation – Keeps internal and/or external key stakeholder(s), students, parents, faculty, staff and community partners in mind at all times.
- Professionalism – Displays a high level of professionalism, e.g. timeliness, reliability, communication, and work ethic.
- Christ-first Faith – Provides spiritual support to community members, including students, on their Christian faith journey.
- Adaptable/Flexibility – Ability to change or adjust to change.
- Attention to Detail – Ability to efficiently and accurately focus on a specific task or number of tasks. Reviews details with a critical eye.
- Confidentiality – Maintains the necessary confidentiality and discretion required for the position.
- Conflict Management – Functions professionally and wisely during difficult conversations, while under stress, and while managing challenging situations.
- Effective Communication – Expresses ideas and information in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well-articulated messaging across a wide variety of audiences.
- Establishes Trust – Gains the confidence of others by actions and words that promote being honest, forthcoming, and vulnerable.
- Problem-solving – Anticipates, evaluates, diagnoses, and resolves problems in a systematic and fact-based manner.
- Project and Time Management – Effective planning and priority setting. Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines.
- Results Orientation & Accountability – Takes accountability and identifies, executes and drives actions to consistently achieve desired results.
- Self-development – Grow one’s self-awareness, abilities, skills, and/or talent.
- Teamwork & Collaboration – Creates a climate that fosters commitment to a common vision and shared values that promote cooperation and working together through trust and support of others both departmentally and cross-functionally.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to work non-routine hours during certain times of the year.
- Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time.
- Ability to lift/move objects up to 25 pounds.
SUMMARY
In support of the university’s mission and objectives, the Registrar Assistant serves as the first point of contact in the Registrar’s office, assists students with course registration, and processes documents efficiently. This role includes managing student records, handling inquiries, and supporting Registrar events and functions. This position also provides backup support to ensure smooth office operations.
Customer Service
- Greets and welcomes those entering the office in a friendly manner and provides answers or assistance as needed.
- Promptly answers Registrar main phoneline, screens and routes calls as needed, and returns missed calls daily.
- Directs students to the appropriate colleague for appointments or assistance.
- Answers general questions regarding policies and procedures.
- Accesses student data to provide initial assistance in answering questions.
- Addresses registration-related inquiries, conflicts, and issues promptly and effectively, collaborating with relevant stakeholders to find solutions.
- Assists in entering student registration information into the university's registration system, ensuring completeness and accuracy of course selections, class times, and instructor assignments.
- Maintains detailed records of student registration activity, correspondence, and student withdrawal decisions for future reference and reporting purposes.
- Manages e-mails in the Registrar inbox.
- Assists the Registrar with supply orders, departmental requisitions, work orders, and purchasing reconciliation.
Document Processing
- Manages incoming and outgoing mail and assists with the packaging and mailing of diplomas.
- Distributes academic forms received to the appropriate colleague(s) and assists with processing forms, as needed.
- Maintains student academic records and files, scans and indexes paper documents.
Support Registrar Functions
- Assists with Commencement and other Registrar’s Office events.
- Cross-trains with other staff in the Registrar’s Office.
- Provides backup support for the Registrar team.
- Other duties as assigned.
Education
Post high school training required; bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent experience.
Experience
1+ years’ experience in higher education, academic operations, or student services, preferred.
ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
- Customer Service Orientation – Keeps internal and/or external key stakeholder(s), students, parents, faculty, staff and community partners in mind at all times.
- Professionalism – Displays a high level of professionalism, e.g. timeliness, reliability, communication, and work ethic.
- Christ-first Faith – Provides spiritual support to community members, including students, on their Christian faith journey.
- Adaptable/Flexibility – Ability to change or adjust to change.
- Attention to Detail – Ability to efficiently and accurately focus on a specific task or number of tasks. Reviews details with a critical eye.
- Confidentiality – Maintains the necessary confidentiality and discretion required for the position.
- Conflict Management – Functions professionally and wisely during difficult conversations, while under stress, and while managing challenging situations.
- Effective Communication – Expresses ideas and information in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well-articulated messaging across a wide variety of audiences.
- Establishes Trust – Gains the confidence of others by actions and words that promote being honest, forthcoming, and vulnerable.
- Problem-solving – Anticipates, evaluates, diagnoses, and resolves problems in a systematic and fact-based manner.
- Project and Time Management – Effective planning and priority setting. Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines.
- Results Orientation & Accountability – Takes accountability and identifies, executes and drives actions to consistently achieve desired results.
- Self-development – Grow one’s self-awareness, abilities, skills, and/or talent.
- Teamwork & Collaboration – Creates a climate that fosters commitment to a common vision and shared values that promote cooperation and working together through trust and support of others both departmentally and cross-functionally.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to work non-routine hours during certain times of the year.
- Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time.
- Ability to lift/move objects up to 25 pounds.
See all 34+ OPT University Registrar Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT University Registrar Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in University Registrar
Target universities with established OPT hiring track records
Universities are among the most OPT-friendly employers in the country. Focus on institutions with large international student populations, as their HR and legal teams already understand F-1 work authorization and are far less likely to hesitate over sponsorship paperwork.
Frame your international student experience as an asset
Registrar offices serve large international student populations. If you've personally navigated SEVIS, I-20s, or OPT applications, highlight that firsthand experience. Employers value staff who understand what their international students are going through from both sides.
Emphasize FERPA compliance knowledge in your application
University Registrar roles require strict adherence to FERPA regulations. Demonstrating familiarity with student records privacy law, even through coursework or research, signals that you can contribute immediately without a lengthy compliance onboarding period.
Apply before your OPT start date to avoid authorization gaps
Start your job search at least three months before your OPT authorization begins. Many registrar positions have lengthy hiring cycles involving faculty committees and HR approvals, and starting early ensures you have an offer before your window opens.
Clarify your STEM OPT eligibility early in conversations
If your degree qualifies for the 24-month STEM extension, mention it when employers raise timeline concerns. Information systems, computer science, and data-adjacent degrees common among registrar candidates frequently qualify, giving employers up to 36 months of total authorization.
Connect with DSOs during your job search
Your university's Designated School Official understands exactly what documentation employers need for OPT hires. They can write letters explaining your work authorization timeline and answer HR questions directly, which removes friction for employers unfamiliar with F-1 requirements.
University Registrar OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a University Registrar on OPT?
Yes. University Registrar roles qualify as practical training directly related to fields like higher education administration, public administration, and information systems, all of which support OPT eligibility. Your OPT authorization must be in a field related to your degree program, so confirm that your specific degree aligns with the role before applying.
Do universities typically sponsor F-1 OPT students for registrar positions?
Universities are among the most OPT-friendly employers in the U.S. because they already employ DSOs who manage F-1 compliance daily. Registrar offices in particular often have international staff and institutional familiarity with work authorization requirements. Larger research universities and those with significant international enrollment tend to be the most experienced and willing. You can browse open University Registrar roles on Migrate Mate to find positions at institutions with active OPT hiring.
Does a University Registrar role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your underlying degree is in a STEM-designated field such as information systems, computer science, statistics, or data analytics, you may qualify for the 24-month STEM extension even in an administrative role. Degrees in higher education administration or public administration typically do not qualify. Check the official STEM designated degree program list maintained by ICE to confirm your specific major.
What happens if my OPT expires before I secure H-1B sponsorship?
If your OPT expires and you haven't secured another status, you must stop working and depart the U.S. or risk unlawful presence. Universities can sponsor H-1B visa petitions for registrar roles that qualify as specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Because H-1B requires cap registration, timing matters. If you're approaching your OPT end date, speak with your employer's HR team and your DSO as early as possible to map out your options.
What should I include in my resume to stand out for University Registrar roles as an OPT student?
Highlight experience with student information systems such as Banner, PeopleSoft, or Ellucian, as these are standard in registrar offices. Include any exposure to degree auditing, enrollment reporting, transfer credit evaluation, or FERPA compliance. Quantify your contributions where possible, such as the number of records managed or processes improved. Demonstrating familiarity with international student enrollment adds particular value since registrar teams regularly coordinate with DSOs on I-20 and SEVIS-related requests.