International Student Immigration Advisor
Overview
The Registered International Student Immigration Advisor supports the success and well-being of Lakehead University’s diverse community of over 1,500 international students, from pre-arrival through graduation.
Reporting to the Director of International Student Services and working collaboratively with university departments, academic and administrative teams, and external government agencies, the International Student Immigration Advisor serves as a primary institutional resource and authority on immigration-related matters affecting international students and the University.
Operating with a high degree of professional autonomy, the Advisor applies advanced immigration expertise, intercultural competence, and sound professional judgment to provide expert advice on complex immigration matters and ensure compliance with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requirements. The role provides guidance to students, and other University personnel; interprets and communicates evolving immigration legislation, policies, and regulatory requirements; and develops proactive approaches to identify and mitigate institutional and student-related risks.
As a student-facing professional, the Advisor provides comprehensive immigration and international student advising throughout the student journey, from pre-arrival and onboarding through studies, graduation, and post-graduation transitions. The role supports students in navigating immigration requirements, university processes, and the broader challenges of adapting to and succeeding in a new academic and cultural environment. This includes providing responsive, culturally informed support for complex student needs, including crisis response, conflict resolution, and situations that may affect student success, retention, or continued study. This role contributes to student retention and success while advancing Lakehead’s internationalization and global engagement priorities.
Conditions of Employment: The successful candidate may be required to complete and satisfactorily pass a police record check as a condition of employment. Any such requirement will be based on the nature of the position and conducted in accordance with applicable privacy, human rights, and employment legislation.
Responsibilities
Immigration Advising
- Advise international students and their families on Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) guidelines, including entry to Canada, various types of permits and immigration issues.
- Review and guide international students on matters such as study permits, work permits, temporary residence visas, post-graduation work permits, restoration applications, permit amendments and reconsideration request.
- Monitor immigration policy changes and maintain accurate student communications, websites and self-help resources.
- Track study permit information and expiry dates, provide timely renewal reminders, and deliver immigration information sessions and application workshops.
- Support students facing immigration challenges, liaise with IRCC and CBSA in consultation with the Director, International Student Services, and refer matters requiring advice beyond the role’s scope.
Newcomer, Settlement, and International Student Advising
- Provide culturally informed advising to international students from pre-arrival through graduation, responding to inquiries through online and in-person channels.
- Provide pre-arrival/departure and settlement support, guiding international students and their dependent family members on travel logistics, health and well-being, and cultural adjustment.
- Help students navigate academic, personal, social and cultural challenges, develop self-advocacy skills, and access campus and community resources.
- Collaborate with faculty, academic advisors and student support teams to address complex student situations, including crisis, conduct and accommodation concerns.
- Recommend improvements to policies and services that enhance the international student experience and contribute to student retention and success.
Student Support and Programming
- Design, lead, and evaluate a wide range of student success initiatives and programming both in-person and virtual formats to enhance retention, integration, and success among various learners. This includes managing international student programs such as Peer Mentor Program, Northern Nature Connect, Positivi-Tea, and Global Ambassador Program.
- Represents the department during on and off-campus events, including International Student Welcome Day, Campus-wide Student Orientation, Career Fairs, student appreciation days, and specialized workshops, ensuring a seamless transition experience for new and continuing students.
- Collaborates with external partners such as Service Canada, Thunder Bay Multicultural Association (TBMA), COSTI Immigrant Services, and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to deliver high-impact workshops on employment readiness, SIN acquisition, and tax preparation.
- Represents Lakehead University in national and regional professional networks (e.g. Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), Canadian Association of College & University Student Services (CACUSS), NAFSA - Association of International Educators) to maintain awareness with best practices, policy developments, and sector innovations in international education.
- The role requires flexibility to work evenings and weekends for student advising, events and programming, as well as other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Registered International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) certification or Regulated Canadian Immigraton Consultant (RCIC) license in good standing with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC)
- Minimum two years of experience providing immigration advising within the RISIA/RCIC scope of practice
- Must possess advanced, in-depth knowledge of Canadian immigration legislation and policy interpretation, with comprehensive expertise in applying complex regulations governing international students, their accompanying family members, and dependents.
- Ability to interpret immigration legislation and how it may affect University policies and procedures, and advise Lakehead International Students and other Faculty and Staff accordingly.
- Exceptional level of attention to detail, customer service, and stakeholder management skills to support Canadian international student services and case manage student advising
- Strong judgement, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, including the ability to recognize when matters require referral or escalation.
- Demonstrated intercultural competency and understanding of cross-cultural transitions. Coursework in cross-cultural or intercultural communication is preferred.
- Demonstrate an exceptional ability to work cooperatively and positively with others.
- Collaborate effectively both independently and as part of a dynamic, interdisciplinary team, contributing to a culture of trust, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills, including presentation skills, professional articulation, and the ability to build strong relationships with students, colleagues and campus partners.
- Strong organizational skills, time-management skills, and attention to detail, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a high-volume, changing environment.
- Demonstrate commitment to responsive student support, with skills in diplomacy, conflict resolution and navigating sensitive conversations while maintaining privacy and confidentiality.
- Demonstrate commitment to equity, diversity and a respectful work and learning environment.
- Proficiency in a language other than English and experience living in another country or culture are assets.
AI may or may not be used for the screening purposes of this role.
Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.
Lakehead University has a goal to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as measured by increasing representation of underrepresented groups among applicants, candidates, and hires. Experience working with Indigenous or racialized communities, and/or members of other equity-deserving groups, is a strong asset. A lived experience or worked experience of any of these issues is preferred.
We appreciate your interest; Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (807) 343-8010 ext. 8334 or human.resources@lakeheadu.ca to make appropriate arrangements.