International Student Advisor

Staff - Non UnionJob CategoryM&P - AAPSJob ProfileAAPS Salaried - Student Management, Level CJob TitleInternational Student Advisor (RCIC/RISIA)DepartmentInternational Student Advising | International Student Development | Student AffairsCompensation Range$7, $10,474.08 CAD Monthly

The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.

Posting End DateAugust 11, 2024

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Summary
International Student Development helps create conditions so that UBC Vancouver students with international backgrounds and interests can be fully contributing and fully benefitting members of the campus community and can achieve their full potential for a better world. International Student Advisors provide immigration and other advising services to international students and develop innovative, responsive, and professional programs and services. Student Engagement is responsible for providing leadership, opportunities, and services that strengthen and enrich student learning at UBC. Student Engagement is committed to understanding UBC students and their experiences and to responding through innovative programs and services. The incumbent will work collaboratively with other units within the Vice President Student's portfolio, with faculties and departments across the University, AMS/GSS, the International Student Initiative (ISI) as well as schools, organizations, and international educators in the community. Occasional evening and weekend work will be required.

Organizational Status
International Student Advisors work as members of the International Student Development team within the division of Student Engagement. Reporting to the Manager - International Student Advising, the incumbent supervises and mentors paid student staff and provides significant leadership and management to volunteers on a number of projects and events. The incumbent takes on leadership roles in cross-functional team projects and may supervise student interns seeking a student development work experience.

Work Performed

Major responsibilities fall into the following areas:

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.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Errors and omissions and negligence can result in the permanent loss of RCIC/RISIA license, imprisonment, fines, civil action (directed at both the RCIC/RISIA and UBC), and other disciplinary actions by the regulatory body. Such errors can cause irreparable damage for students and their families in terms of their ability to enter or remain in Canada and/or UBC. Providing incomplete or inaccurate information to students can have a devastating impact on UBC's ability to recruit and retain students and severely damage UBC's international reputation. Lack of sensitivity, imagination and persistence in handling students' personal situations, including broader crisis management issues, may result in significant distress for students.

Supervision Received
Works independently within university mandate to recruit, retain and support the success of international graduate and undergraduate students and is expected to achieve specific goals annually with regard to system-wide strategies and case-specific advising. Work is reviewed based on effectiveness and achievement of goals. The incumbent works independently and uses extensive judgement and decision making in working with students and when providing advice.

Supervision Given
Will review and approve application preparation and written immigration advice drafted by other staff. May supervise professional and student staff and volunteers.

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.

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