International Student Specialist (Immigration), Student Experience and Support

Description

International Student Services in Student Experience and Support is currently seeking a Full-time Regular International Student Specialist (Immigration).

The International Student Immigration Specialist reports to the Manager, International Student Services within the Student Services portfolio. This position will be a critical member of the International Student Services team and will provide immigration advising (study permit, work permit, visa and permanent residence) to an International Student population of undergraduate and graduate students. The Specialist will also develop and implement innovative programs and services for international students at the University of Calgary related to the field of immigration. In addition, the Specialist will work with the Career Services team in Student Services, with the International Recruiters in Enrolment Services, and with Academic & Co-Op Advisors across the University to provide immigration expertise to staff in those units, and related programming to International Students who are hoping to pursue full-time employment in Canada upon degree completion or who are looking for Canadian employment experience while studying at the university.

This position requires the Specialist to act in a leadership role within Student Services. The Specialist will be tasked with creating and updating all web and print content related to Canadian immigration law pertaining to students on applicable UCalgary websites and print material with recognition that there is no margin for error as this could result in liability for the University and loss of status for the student.

The incumbent must work independently and is responsible for delivering complex and highly accurate information to students and stakeholders on campus.

Peak work periods include the start of academic terms from late August through September and early January, as well as periods where the student may be transitioning out of the institution such as April.

Regular working hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30 - 4:30 but occasional evenings and weekends are required.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

Student Advising

• 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.

Project Management - immigration specific:

• 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.

Volunteer and Staff Supervision:

• 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.

Communications:

• 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.

Qualifications / 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.

Application Deadline:  October 9, 2024

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase 3.

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website. 

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected]).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role. 

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.