International Student Specialist (Immigration), Student Experience and Support

The University of Calgary

3mo ago

Applications are closed

Job
Full-time
Junior & Mid Level
Government & Politics
People, HR & Administration
Calgary

Requirements

The Government of Canada mandates that under Appendix A of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, Section 91, only members in good standing of the law society of the Province or the Immigration Specialists of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) are authorized to provide immigration advice. For this reason, Regulated Canadian Immigration Specialist (RCIC) designation or Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) designation under the ICCRC is a requirement for this position so that the International Student Immigration Advisor may legally provide immigration advice to our students, staff and faculty.
A minimum of a bachelors degree in Psychology, Social Work, Education, International Relations or a related area is required.
A Masters degree is an asset.
Regulated Canadian Immigration Specialist (RCIC) certification or Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) designation and member in good standing of the Immigration Specialists of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) is required.
1-3 years experience in the post-secondary setting providing advising to international students on visa, study permit and work permit applications.
Strong communication skills including diplomacy, conflict resolution and the ability to accurately present university policies and government requirements (as they relate to International Students) to students, faculty and staff, and local industry/potential employers of International Students.
Highly skilled in problem solving to assist students who may be in stressful situations.
Understanding of cross cultural communications and student development.
Experience in program development and designing and delivering workshops for International Students.
Experience in program assessment/evaluation.
Ability to work in team setting.
Public speaking/presentation skills.
Languages spoken fluently in addition to English an asset.
Volunteer management an asset.

Responsibilities

Advise international students regarding immigration issues, government regulations and university policies.
Assist students who are in violation of regulations to reinstate their status (if possible) and problem solve immigration options as necessary.
Assist students in problem solving, ensuring a culturally sensitive approach and appropriate communication style. Demonstrate flexibility and understanding of diverse cultural needs.
Advise specific student groups as required and to address concerns or issues specific to their circumstances (examples: exchange students, sponsored students, English as a second language students and International Foundations Program students).
Advise faculty and support staff across the University regarding international student immigration issues.
Provide accurate information, create and provide information handouts and updated website content when immigration and other Government regulations change.
Advise students who wish to remain in Canada upon completion of their degrees on immigration options and processes.
Work with faculty and staff across campus to initiate a complete revision of practices, policies and documentation as they pertain to University and International Student compliance to Government immigration regulations; this work will be ongoing as government regulations in this field are not static; the Immigration Specialist, as the expert in this field on campus, will be responsible for managing communication of changes to students and campus partners.
Develop, deliver and evaluate International Student programming and workshops which address immigration issues for International Students including:
Study permit, work permit, temporary resident visa and permanent residence requirements and processes.
Transition and immigration related workshops for graduating students.
Work with Career Services to identify local employers and industry who wish to hire International Students or graduates and develop programs and workshops that effectively explain immigration processes to them.
Mentor, supervise, model appropriate behavior for student workers and volunteers in International Student Services.
Serve as Acting Manager in absence of Manager, International Student Services.
Develop all content for the International Student Services website related to immigration regulations; work with faculty and staff across campus to provide support in editing their websites and print material for the same purpose.
Maintain regular outreach and contact with international students using appropriate means: email, telephone, social media, etc.
Work with the Student & Enrolment Services Marketing and Communication team to ensure information on International Student Services website and in print publications is current and accurate.
Promote International Student Services programs and activities to the campus and to the wider community.

FAQs

What is the application deadline for the International Student Specialist (Immigration) position?

The application deadline is October 9, 2024.

What are the regular working hours for this position?

The regular working hours are Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, but occasional evenings and weekends may be required.

Is a specific certification required for this role?

Yes, the position requires a Regulated Canadian Immigration Specialist (RCIC) certification or Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) designation, and the candidate must be a member in good standing of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC).

What qualifications are necessary for this role?

A minimum of a bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Education, International Relations, or a related area is required, and a master's degree is considered an asset.

What type of experience is required for candidates?

Candidates should have 1-3 years of experience in a post-secondary setting providing advising to international students on visa, study permit, and work permit applications.

Will the specialist work with other departments within the university?

Yes, the specialist will collaborate with the Career Services team, International Recruiters, and Academic & Co-Op Advisors to provide immigration expertise and programming for international students.

Is there a focus on diversity and inclusion in the hiring process?

Yes, the University of Calgary encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds and designated groups, including women, Indigenous peoples, and members of visible/racialized minorities to apply, emphasizing their commitment to equitable and inclusive employment practices.

What responsibilities does the role entail regarding communication?

The role involves developing content for the International Student Services website related to immigration regulations, maintaining outreach with international students, and promoting services and programs to the campus community.

Does this position involve mentoring or supervising others?

Yes, the International Student Specialist will mentor and supervise student workers and volunteers in International Student Services and may serve as Acting Manager in the absence of the Manager, International Student Services.

What is the main focus of the programs and services developed by the Specialist?

The Specialist will develop programs and services focusing on immigration advising related to study permits, work permits, temporary resident visas, and permanent residence requirements, tailored to the needs of international students.

The University of Calgary

Canada's entrepreneurial university, A top research university

Education

Industry

1966

Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

The University of Calgary is a leading Canadian university located in the nation's most enterprising city. The university has a clear strategic direction to become one of Canada's top five research universities, where research and innovative teaching go hand in hand, and where we fully engage the communities we both serve and lead. This strategy is called Eyes High, inspired by the university's Gaelic motto, which translates as 'I will lift up my eyes.’