Bilingual Immigration Specialist (Remote must be in MN, IL, SD, IA, NE)

Christensen Farms is one of the largest, family-owned pork producers in the United States, marketing approximately 3 million hogs per year. Headquartered in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, our 50 year old company operates throughout the Midwest with facilities in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, and South Dakota. Christensen Farms owns four feed mills, manages 140,000 sows on 44 farms, and oversees more than 350 nurseries and grow-finish sites. Our organization employs nearly 1,000 people and maintains 1,500 contract partnerships. We are an industry leader with a proven commitment to ethical practices, food safety, and nutrition. Join our team!

Position Overview:

The Bilingual Immigration Specialist is responsible for coordinating all employment-based immigration filings, including TN applications, H1-B petitions, and permanent residence cases. This position will serve as the primary liaison between the company, outside legal counsel, and employees or candidates requiring sponsorship providing guidance on process, documentation, and travel requirements ensuring compliance with all regulations. The Bilingual Immigration Specialist will provide a seamless and compliant immigration process. This position has opportunity to be a remote position if candidate is willing to travel to our headquarters in Sleepy Eye, MN on an as needed basis. 

From Our Manager:

"This is a great opportunity to own a significant piece of our immigration process and make a real difference in our organization.

• Hiring Manager, HR Operations Manager

What You Will Do:

• Coordinate and manage all employment-based immigration filings included but not limited to TN, H-1B, and permanent residence.
• Serve as the main point of contact with outside immigration counsel to ensure timely and accurate submission of all immigration petitions and applications.
• Communicate directly with employees and candidates requiring sponsorship, providing guidance on immigration process, timelines, international travel and required documentation.
• Maintain accurate and up to date records of all immigration sponsorship cases and related documentation.
• Monitor expiration dates and proactively initiate extension or renewal processes as needed.
• Provide guidance to Human Resources Department and stakeholders on immigration processes and requirements.
• Stay informed of changes in immigration laws, regulations and best practices, and communicate relevant updates to Human Resources Department, leadership and employees.
• Track and manage all foreign travel leaves to ensure documentation needed for travel is completed timely and leaves are administered within the dates permitted.
• Collaborate with HR and business leaders to track position movements including full-time/part-time changes of employees on work visas, ensuring compliance and proper documentation.
• Identify opportunities to streamline and improve the visa and immigration processes and related workflows, working closely with internal stakeholders to implement changes.
• Generate regular reports on the status of immigration cases, visa applications, renewals and expirations, and compliance audits for management and legal teams.
• Assist in development of visa and immigration policies and procedures that align with business goals.
• Assist with supplemental B reverification for I-9 purposes.

What You Offer Us:

• Minimum formal education required: HS Diploma
• Preferred Education: AA Paralegal, HR or related field
• Minimum number of years of prior job experience required: 1 year experience preparing and coordinating employment-based immigration filings (TN, H-1B, PERM, etc.)
• Strong understanding of U.S. immigration processes and regulations.
• Must have judgment to handle sensitive, confidential information.
• Must have great attentiveness and desire to learn.
• Ability to work with a variety of people.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral.
• Must have strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and be self-motivated.
• Bilingual skills in English and Spanish.

What We Offer You:

• Great career growth opportunities.
• We offer a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, a flexible spending account (FSA), life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, a 401(k) plan, paid holidays, paid time off bank, and employee assistance program (EAP), and more.
• Be an active part of an organization that gives back to the community in many ways – including feed programs that support local farms, food shelf programs, food support for veterans, agriculture education and promotion, FFA/4H support, charitable contributions, etc.
• A company that has a passionate purpose for food safety, animal welfare, and for living its core values every day – respect, integrity, excellence, adaptability, and innovation.
• A culture that fosters employee growth, hybrid work options, promotion from within, and a highly team-oriented workplace environment.

Reports To:

HR Operations Manager

Christensen Farms promotes a culture of inclusion and strives to attract a diverse set of candidates for each of our open positions. We are an equal employment opportunity employer and proud to offer employment and growth opportunities to all candidates without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, gender, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or veteran status.