Committee: Subcommittee on Consular Affairs Liaisons
Position: Member, Consular Affairs Liaison Subcommittee
Term Dates:Two-year term, renewable once (maximum of 4 years)
The Consular Affairs Liaison subcommittee of the EAKC charged with clarifying visa and immigration procedures and then sharing that knowledge with education abroad professionals who advise their students on visas for study outside the United States. It is chaired by the Content Coordinator, Visas for Education Abroad, EAKC.
The subcommittee members interact with visa officers in consulates of Italy, France, Spain, or the United Kingdom, and keep apprised of updates and changes in visa policies and procedures. Additional liaisons to assist with visa questions for regions in the rest of the world.
Position updated August 2024
NAFSA is not currently accepting applications for this position. Visit NAFSA Volunteer Leadership to learn about available opportunities.
Major Functions and Responsibilities
Within the framework of the NAFSA Strategic Plan and the subcommittee charge, this position will:
- Identify changes in visa policies and procedures for the assigned country and inform the country coordinator and NAFSA staff.
- Curate content for NAFSA web pages on education abroad visas and ensure information is relevant and current.
- Respond to requests for assistance from education abroad colleagues regarding student visa matters in the EA Visa Help platform.
- Work in partnership with other liaisons and NAFSA staff to resolve policy and procedure issues in a fashion that assists the consulate visa office and the study abroad program advisers.
- Participate actively in the EAKC Network by prompting or responding to discussions on student visas. Act as a resource for colleagues with questions and concerns throughout the year.
- Encourage and facilitate the inclusion of content on education abroad visas for consideration at annual and regional conferences. Develop and present sessions as appropriate when possible and appropriate.
- Collaborate with the subcommittee chair and the NAFSA staff partner to achieve these goals.
Sample Projects
- Annual and regional conference presentations and dialogues on visas for education abroad
- Online information sessions on visas for education abroad
- Advocacy with foreign consulates to clarify visa applications requirements and procedures
- Timely responses to queries submitted via the EA Visa Help platform
- Updates to the web pages on Visas for Education Abroad
Commitment
- Assure NAFSA membership through the length of the leadership term
- Serve a two-year term, renewable once for a maximum of four years.
- Devote 4 to 8 hours per month to committee and subcommittee work such as responding to network discussion posts, projects conference calls, and other responsibilities.
- Prepare for and attend subcommittee meetings throughout the year, noting that meetings are usually held online.
- Foster an inclusive environment in alignment with the NAFSA Diversity and Inclusion Statement
Qualifications
- Knowledge of visa procedures for students studying abroad from the United States. Established relationships with specific consulates are highly desirable.
- Ability to communicate with colleagues and government officials in a collegial and diplomatic fashion
- Demonstrated expertise in education abroad and an understanding of the needs of the field in practice areas related to US student visa procedures
- Ability to work effectively with a team in an outcomes-based environment.
- Willingness to adopt organization-wide perspectives.
Appreciation
- Volunteers in this role are recognized in a letter from NAFSA CEO
- Volunteers in this role receive a certificate of appreciation at the conclusion of their volunteer service
- Volunteers in this role are named on any resources developed by this subcommittee
