Saint Mary’s University

Date Posted: November 15, 2024

Posting Deadline: November 29, 2024

Department: Enrolment Services

Type of Employment: 2 Year Contract, Full-time

Group Affiliation: APC Group, Group 5 ($58,270 - $75,093 annually)

At Saint Mary's University, you will be surrounded by a talented and dedicated team of professionals committed to accessibility, diversity, and the provision of a positive and supportive learning environment. We recognize the importance of the contribution and growth of each individual in the University's success. We are currently looking to fill the position of International Student Immigration Advisor to join our Enrolment Services team.

What we offer

As a team member at Saint Mary's, we are proud to offer many benefits. Some of these include:

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Defined Contribution Pension plan
• Vacation
• Personal days
• Flexible Workplace
• Professional development
• Holiday closure
• Summer hour schedule
• Employee Transit EPass through Halifax Transit

Job Information and Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Director of Admissions and Transfer, and liaising with the Manager of the International Student Centre, the International Student Immigration Advisor will:

• Conducting one-on-one immigration advising and support regarding all aspects of the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), study permit, study permit renewal, work permit, temporary residence visa, permanent residency, post-graduate work permits processes and other immigration information to international students.

• In collaboration with the Manager ISC, develops and/or facilitates workshops, webinars, and information handouts, posters (online or in-print) and emails regarding study permit, work permits, temporary residence visa, and any information relevant to international student success in Canada.

• Providing advice and support to prospective and/or new international students, parents, recruiters and agents regarding issues such as PAL, study and work permits, visas, employment, student life, cultural adjustment, dependents and related issues, etc.
• Communicating and consulting with internal and external stakeholders and providing professional advice regarding international students' immigration status.
• Assists students with all types of enquiries including academic, financial, employment, housing, and personal; refers to other departments and agencies as appropriate.
• Provides support and liaises with Enrolment Services Admissions unit with regards to administrative functions surrounding the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) process including administering and providing PALs to students according to university and government policies
• Ensures that international student documentation including copies of passports, study permits, etc. are collected and entered into the Banner and/or CRM systems and provides necessary reporting to university and government bodies as required
• Monitors and proactively reaches out and provides advice to international students whose study permits are set to expire ensuring that their renewability is maintained

Experience and Education Requirements

To be the successful International Student Immigration Advisor you will have:

• Completion of an undergraduate university degree.
• Completion of Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) or Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) certification, RCIC or RISIA in good standing with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC).
• Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years directly related experience, preferably at the post-secondary level working with international students or organizations that work with or on behalf of international students/immigrants.
• Valid Class 5 NS driver's license and passport with ability to travel.
• Continuous attention to geo-political matters that may influence immigration policies.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the issues and concerns facing international students
• Strong presentation and communication skills.
• A background in cross-cultural communication would be considered an asset.
• Experience working with Banner and/or CRM Recruit would be considered an asset
• Excellent knowledge of MS Office, Access, internet and e-mail, with working knowledge of WhatsApp, WeChat, Qualtrics, Canva and CRM Advise applications is an asset.
• Fluency in other languages, in particular French, Chinese, Arabic, Bengali, Hindi, or German is considered an asset.

Application Details

Apply for this opportunity online using our online application system through Career Beacon. Click on "Apply Now" and complete all required information fields. Qualified candidates should submit the following with their application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Three Professional References

Late applications may not receive consideration. We appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls please.

At Saint Mary's University, equity and diversity are integral to excellence and enrich our community. As an institution committed to fostering an environment of inclusion and respect, we encourage all qualified candidates to apply; however, preference will be given to applicants who self-identify as Black/African Nova Scotians, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/visible minorities, persons with disabilities and women. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition at [email protected].