International Student Advisor and Immigration Specialist
York International offers programs and services to over 10,000 international students, scholars, and those who have attained permanent residence status within the last five years. The programs and services support the transition to York University and Canada, create resilient and supportive communities to support student success in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Through our work, and in partnership with Faculties, Division of Vice Provost Students as well as other service providers, York International strives to ensure all students have an opportunity to actively participate in university life, find supportive communities and engage in activities that support their personal, academic and professional goals.Under the direction of the Director, International Student and Scholar Services, the role serves as the key contact for providing information, supports and advises students and visiting scholars on Canadian immigration issues, including entry into Canada, study permit/visa applications of various types of work permits including off campus and post graduate permits, permanent residence and citizenship, taxation issues for foreign nationals and advocate on their behalf when necessary. Provides accurate, timely information to a diverse population and triage student referrals to other internal and external service providers. In addition, the role coordinates, provides services and advises refugees, domestic, and non-traditional or unique international student programs The role plans, delivers and coordinates workshops to assist students with all relevant government regulations and policies related to Citizenship and Immigration to Canada. The role develops an embedded service delivery model to reach students in their respective academic homes. Develops and maintains essential immigration information for international students and ensure accurate and up to date immigration information for the website and related publications. Maintains expertise in Citizenship and Immigration Canada updates, news, program and policies and website navigation and share or report within the department and within the university. Function as the York University's expert on immigration policies and regulations for students. Liaises and collaborates with both internal and external partners to provide seamless and knowledgeable services and referral. Establishes an appropriate level of professionalism, developing partnerships both within and outside of the institution. Participates, collaborates and supports programs and events within the York International as appropriate, which may include attendance after hours. Participate in discussion and information sharing of the national Student Advisory network (SACE) and related Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) activities or related immigration external professional associations.
Education:
University Degree and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Immigration Consultant Certificate (in good standing with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) either as a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA)) or Lawyers and Paralegals in good standing with a provincial or territorial law society required with a thorough understanding of immigration legislation, Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and its regulations (IRPR).
Experience:
Five years related experience and direct experience working with international students at the post-secondary level preferred. Experience in designing and conducting effective educational workshops. Experience in program development, implementation and evaluation. Experience in an intercultural environment either by working or living internationally, plus fluency in other languages (including Mandarin, French) other than English preferred. Experience in managing the development of publications is an asset.
Skills:
Ability to keep up to date with current and emerging immigration legislation and interpretations, best practices within the field of immigration and, ability to interpret immigration legislation, University policies and procedures.
Demonstrated good understanding of transition issues related to international students and the type of support for them. Ability to work effectively with diverse communities of students and promote inclusion. Strong interpersonal skills and intercultural sensitivity. Demonstrated ability to structure and guide effective intercultural development.
Excellent communication skills including written, and presentation skills.
Excellent client service and customer orientation Must possess high degree of initiative, sound judgement and the ability to multi-task.
Demonstrated ability to work in a team providing an integrated service delivery, and commitment to student success and the capacity to handle a busy workload.
Additional Notes:
Office environment. Some international travel may be required. Works in an environment where there is frequent procedural change. Responds to time sensitive immigration issues where there is pressure to find a solution quickly. Sometimes provides information/explanation that may not be well received by students. Flexible and evening hours will also be required to meet high volume of student demand and/or travel.This position requires the candidate to produce a verification of degree(s), credentials(s), or equivalencies from accredited institutions and/or international equivalents at the time of interview. Vulnerable Sector Check -Please note: This position requires the candidate to produce a Vulnerable Sector Check satisfactory to the University prior to commencement of employment. Please note: This position requires the candidate to produce a Vulnerable Sector Check satisfactory to the University prior to commencement of employment.
*Compensation:
York's CPM Compensation Framework has a salary grid consisting of 6 or 8 steps (depending on job grade) which is reviewed annually with possible adjustments, and a lump sum Performance Based Recognition Award. Employees will receive the grid adjustment and depending on performance, eligible permanent employees may move to the next step of the grid and may receive a lump sum Performance Based Recognition Award.Visit the CPM Compensation page on the HR Website to find out more about York's CPM Compensation Program.
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