Immigration Law Intern

Position Summary:

The University of South Carolina’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office seeks a detail-oriented, motivated Law Intern to support employment-based immigration processes. The intern will assist with the organization, preparation, and maintenance of immigration case files, including Public Access Files (PAFs) for H-1B visa petitions and PERM-related documentation for permanent residency cases. This role offers practical legal experience in working with employment-based immigration compliance and federal recordkeeping requirements.

The intern will collaborate closely with ISSS advisors and the university’s outside immigration counsel to ensure consistent, timely, and legally compliant case preparation for foreign national employees.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare and organize Public Access Files (PAFs) for H-1B petitions in accordance with Department of Labor (DOL) regulations (20 CFR § 655.760).
• Assist in collecting, reviewing, and organizing PERM labor certification documentation, including audit file materials, recruitment records, and employer declarations.
• Help maintain PERM “public inspection files,” which include required postings and documentation for transparency and compliance with labor regulations. These files may contain: a summary of recruitment efforts, notice of filing (posted at the job location), prevailing wage determination, employer statement of actual minimum requirements.
• Coordinate communication and case documentation with external immigration attorneys managing PERM filings.
• Ensure all case records, including supporting documentation, are maintained in compliance with federal regulations and university policy.
• Assist ISSS staff in implementing consistent file management practices for immigration-related recordkeeping.

Qualifications:

• Current enrollment in an accredited J.D. program (2L or 3L), with interest or coursework in immigration law, employment/labor law, or administrative law.
• High attention to detail with strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Clear and professional communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to manage confidential materials and follow federal compliance procedures.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook); experience with document management platforms preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a legal setting, higher education, or with immigration case processing.
• Familiarity with employment-based immigration processes (H-1B, PERM, I-140) and associated Department of Labor (DOL) and USCIS regulations.

Internship Details:

• Schedule: Flexible within standard business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM); 20 hours per week.
• Location: On-site at the Columbia campus.

Email resume to Amanda Finnen, Assistant Director for Immigration Services, afinnen@sc.edu by September 5.