Immigration Specialist

Student Affairs is committed to creating a vibrant and engaging learning community to inspire and enrich the lives of our students in support of the University of Victoria’s vision “to be a university of choice for outstanding students, faculty, and staff from BC, Canada, and around the world”. The Student Affairs portfolio includes: Office of the Registrar and Enrolment Management; Wellness, Recreation and Athletics; Campus Engagement; and Student Development and Success.

The International Centre for Students (ICS), a unit within the Department of Student Services, is a centralized resource which provides services, information and supports for all international students including degree-seeking, incoming and outgoing exchange students, visiting and visiting research students.

The ICS plays a key role in supporting and contributing to the retention and success of international students.

*This position is eligible for a Hybrid Work Arrangement*

The salary range for this position is:

• Recruitment range: $72,242 - $79,650 starting salary determined by the PEA Collective Agreement.
• Performance range: $93,951 salary range ceiling is available through annual performance increases.

Mandate

The Immigration Specialist plays a critical role in the recruitment, retention, and success of international students at the University of Victoria by providing immigration advice and consultation to students and their families, staff, and faculty. The Immigration Specialist plays a key role in supporting the mentorship and coaching of the International Student Advisers.

Objective

• Uphold sound immigration practice by maintaining a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) license in good standing with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC)
• Advise on complex immigration issues including Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) applications for students and their accompanying family members. Complex cases will be escalated from the International Student Advisers to the Senior International Student Adviser.
• Mentor International Student Advisers (ISAs) around the practice of international student advising including training, sharing experiences, and supporting with problem-solving and learning
• Support student’s understanding of their responsibilities, as well as the responsibilities of the International Centre for Students and the University
• Collaborate with on and off campus stakeholders including Student Affairs, Co-op and Career Services, Faculties and academic units on issues related to immigration to deliver services to international students

As a result of the nature of the duties and responsibilities of this position, occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

This position requires a level of education, training, and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in a related discipline. In addition, this role requires a Certification from the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants as a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) Or Regulated InternationalStudent Immigration Adviser (RISIA) and a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive and respectful working and learning environment.
• Understanding of International student concerns related to study, work, immigration and well-being and the post-secondary student lifecycle and service needs from ‘new student to alumni’.
• Understanding of effective practices in international student advising.
• Extensive knowledge of Canadian immigration regulations, policies, and procedures as they relate to the international student experience.
• Experience effectively supporting colleagues through mentoring and coaching.
• Experience creating briefing notes, reports, and other documents for various audiences.
• Ability to communicate respectfully and effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and tailor communication style for different audiences and situations.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and intercultural fluency to ensure a culturally sensitive approach.
• Demonstrated experience using student record systems or related systems effectively.
• Attention to detail and dedication to maintaining a high level of accuracy.
• Effective research and information gathering skills.
• Proficiency with Social Media platforms, (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) and how each platform can be optimally deployed in different scenarios.
• Demonstrated experience using student record systems effectively.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced ability to develop and facilitate workshops and presentations, organize events and programs.
• Experience in maintaining confidential and sensitive information.
• Demonstrated experience leading and motivating a team of professionals.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Demonstrated administrative and organizational skills.

Assets or Preferences:

• Preference may be given to applicants with experience or thorough knowledge of the University of Victoria's ICS programs, policies and procedures.
• Commitment to UVic's strategic goals regarding student recruitment, retention, and success.
• Geopolitical knowledge and global awareness.
• Knowledge of national and international education organizations.