International Student Advisor (RCIC/RISIA)

University of British Columbia

Jul 30

Applications are closed

Job
Full-time
Mid & Senior Level
Vancouver

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.
Minimum of four to five years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own.
Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Preferred Qualifications
Be a member in good standing of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council ICCRC as a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant or Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor RCIC/RISIA.
Thorough knowledge of Canadian immigration legislation, policies and regulations specifically related to international students, their family and dependents.
Experience providing regulated Canadian immigration advice to international students at the post-secondary level.
Experience working directly with international students at the post-secondary level.
Experience dealing with issues relating to international students and international education.
Overseas work/study experience preferred.
Ability in a language other than English preferred.
Experience in program and project development, delivery, evaluation and assessment.
Expertise in designing, delivering and evaluating educational workshops and experience in managing large events.
Knowledge of theories related to intercultural understanding and student engagement.
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to exercise mature judgment, initiative, diplomacy and tact.
Excellent computer skills and online research skills.
Ability to work independently and to develop effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff and community members.
Ability to assess and appropriately respond to complex and critical cases.
Excellent interpersonal skills and intercultural fluency.
Ability to work effectively and appropriately to advance diversity, equity and inclusion.
Ability to manage the complexity inherent within a multi-faceted work environment focused on broad outcomes for students.
Ability to work effectively in teams and to develop effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff and community members.

Responsibilities

Deliver case specific advising and lead/implement university-wide best practices specifically with regard to study and work permits, visas, health insurance, employment, student life, cultural adjustment, dependents and related issues. Maintain the highest standard of immigration advising to UBC international students and their families. Provide information and advice to students to determine best course of action regarding immigration status and permit and visa applications. Provide accurate advice to mitigate risk and reduce vulnerability in the face of ever-changing immigration policies.
Review student and family permit and visa applications prior to submission and provide related advice. As needed, provide representation for students on study permit and related immigration document applications, managing Authorized Representative Portal submissions. Make requests for information under Access to Information and Privacy legislation for students.
Write persuasive and professional communications to visa offices, immigration program managers and CBSA regarding student applications and intervene in cases where mistakes may have been made or where certain cases require special attention.
Conduct detailed research; interpret legislation, regulations and policies; define practices for UBC and communicate the findings and practices to colleagues, UBC departments, students and stakeholders. Provide legal interpretation and consultation to UBC departments and staff regarding international students' immigration status, both case-specific and to inform policy and guidelines (e.g., work authorization for internships and practicums), in person and in writing.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date information regarding trends, federal court case decisions and policy changes in relation to their impact on international students.
Plan and implement University-wide immigration-related communications and practices that are accurate, consistent and in line with immigration legislation, regulations and policies.
Liaise with and provide leadership to other staff on campus to provide seamless support and services for international students.
Manage complex cases involving students' immigration, well-being and other matters and escalate to Manager, as appropriate. Advise and coach students experiencing difficulty with transitional, academic, social, mental wellness, medical and intercultural adjustment and refer to applicable resources.
Interpret and comply with IRPA/IRPR/IRCC Operational Instructions, Guidelines and Manuals, Operational Bulletins and Notices, ICCRC policies and Codes of Ethics, privacy legislation, etc. Maintain and update student records according to ICCRC and UBC policies.
Manage the university's reputation in all interactions with IRCC, CBSA, BC PNP, Service Canada, Health Insurance BC, local MP's office and other government entities as well as CBIE, BCCIE, ICCRC and related organizations.
Develop, deliver and evaluate innovative, responsive, and professional programs and services. Through effective programs and services, create a supportive environment so that international students can be fully engaged in the University community. Work effectively with student leaders to develop leadership capacity and foster transformative learning for students.
Prepare and submit reports, publications, and other written work as required.
Coordinate and present workshops for the international student population and staff on issues related to study permits, visas, work authorization, permanent residence, student safety and both intercultural and academic adjustment.
Train front-line staff on the impact of immigration policies to make effective and appropriate student referrals.
Collect, analyze and interpret comprehensive data on advising, programming and outreach activities to inform enhanced practices, delivery of support services and retention strategies.
Fulfill obligations to the ICCRC and remain in good standing as a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant or Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor.
Perform duties consistent with the mandate of Student Engagement as required.

FAQs

What is the job title for this position?

The job title is International Student Advisor (RCIC/RISIA).

What department is this position located in?

This position is located in the International Student Advising department within International Student Development and Student Affairs.

What are the key responsibilities of an International Student Advisor?

Key responsibilities include delivering immigration advising, managing student cases, advising on study and work permits, planning and implementing programs, conducting workshops, and providing leadership on campus for international student support.

What qualifications are required for this position?

A bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum of four to five years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, are required.

Is there a preferred qualification for this job?

Yes, preferred qualifications include membership in good standing with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) as a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or a Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA).

What is the compensation range for this position?

The compensation range is $7,283.75 to $10,474.08 CAD monthly.

What are the working hours for this job?

The job may require occasional evening and weekend work.

What type of skills are emphasized for applicants to this position?

Strong communication skills, intercultural fluency, excellent organizational abilities, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion are emphasized.

What is the application deadline for this position?

The application deadline is August 11, 2024, at 11:59 PM.

What are the consequences of errors in this role?

Errors can lead to serious repercussions such as the loss of RCIC/RISIA license, imprisonment, civil action, and harm to students' immigration status and UBC's reputation.

What kind of experience is preferred for candidates?

Preferred candidates should have experience working with international students at the post-secondary level, overseas work/study experience, and expertise in program development and assessment.

Will there be any supervisory responsibilities in this role?

Yes, the incumbent may supervise and mentor student staff and volunteers and review written immigration advice drafted by other staff.

What is the importance of this position within UBC?

The International Student Advisor plays a crucial role in supporting international students, enhancing their experience at UBC, and contributing to the university's diversity and inclusivity goals.

University of British Columbia

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Mission & Purpose

The University of British Columbia is a public research university in British Columbia, Canada. Founded in 1908 as the McGill University College of British Columbia, the university became independent and adopted its current name in 1915