Corporate Immigration Specialist in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at SMS group Inc

The Corporate Immigration Specialist is responsible for managing and coordinating employment-based immigration programs and processes to support the organization’s global workforce. Serving as the primary internal resource for immigration matters, this role partners with employees, managers, outside legal counsel, government agencies, and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure compliance with applicable immigration laws and regulations. The Corporate Immigration Specialist oversees visa sponsorships, work authorization programs, immigration case management, and related compliance activities while providing guidance and support throughout the employee immigration lifecycle.

The ideal candidate possesses a minimum of five (5) years of experience as an immigration paralegal supporting employment-based immigration matters, with demonstrated expertise in U.S. immigration laws, visa classifications, permanent residency processes, and work authorization requirements. This position requires exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple complex immigration cases while maintaining strict confidentiality and delivering high-quality employee service. The Corporate Immigration Specialist plays a critical role in mitigating compliance risks, supporting talent mobility initiatives, and ensuring the company's immigration programs align with business objectives and legal requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

Minimum five (5) years of experience as an immigration paralegal supporting employment-based immigration mattersExtensive knowledge of U.S. immigration processes, including nonimmigrant visas, permanent residency sponsorship, labor certifications, I-9 compliance, and employment authorization requirementsExperience working directly with immigration counsel, government agencies, and corporate stakeholdersStrong analytical, organizational, and case management skillsAbility to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive employee informationExcellent written and verbal communication skills with a customer-service orientation

Key Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact for all employment-based immigration matters, providing guidance and support to employees, managers, and business leaders regarding visa, work authorization, and permanent residency processesManage the full lifecycle of immigration cases, including nonimmigrant visa petitions, work authorization applications, extensions, amendments, renewals, and employment-based permanent residence sponsorshipsCoordinate with external immigration counsel to prepare, review, file, and track immigration petitions and applications while ensuring timely submission of all required documentationMonitor employee visa statuses, work authorizations, expiration dates, travel requirements, and filing deadlines to maintain uninterrupted employment eligibility and regulatory complianceMaintain accurate and confidential immigration records, case files, and supporting documentation in accordance with company policies, legal requirements, and record retention standardsEnsure organizational compliance with federal immigration laws, employment eligibility verification requirements, I-9 regulations, E-Verify obligations, and internal policiesConduct periodic audits of immigration and employment eligibility records to identify risks, ensure data accuracy, and support compliance initiatives.Partner with Human Resources, Talent Acquisition, Payroll, Tax, Global Mobility, and business leaders to support workforce planning, international assignments, and employee mobility programsEvaluate immigration options and provide recommendations to support recruitment, retention, and long-term workforce needs while balancing business and legal requirementsDevelop and maintain immigration tracking systems, dashboards, and reports to provide visibility into case status, upcoming expirations, sponsorship activity, and compliance metricsResearch and monitor changes in immigration laws, regulations, and government policies, assessing potential impacts to the organization and recommending appropriate actionsPrepare communications, training materials, and educational resources to inform employees, managers, and stakeholders about immigration requirements, procedures, and compliance obligationsSupport onboarding and international employee transitions by ensuring all immigration-related documentation and employment authorization requirements are completed accurately and timelyIdentify opportunities to streamline immigration processes, enhance employee experience, reduce risk, and improve operational efficiency through process improvements and technology solutionsServe as a trusted advisor on immigration matters while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality, professionalism, and employee service