Immigration Advisor

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International Student Services

International Student Services (ISS) supports the growth, progress, and success of all international students (including visiting and exchange students) at McGill and aims to ease their transition to a new university, a new home and a new country. They provide a range of services and resources for international students including orientation webinars, immigration advising, health insurance guidance, and social and cultural programming and events.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Associate Director - Immigration the incumbent advises and informs Mastercard Foundation Scholars with regards to their temporary immigration status in Canada and ensures that they are compliant with immigration regulations for the duration of their studies. Supports the transition, development and empowerment of international students at McGill and fosters their sense of belonging within the greater community. The incumbent will participate in working groups that support and highlight the immigration experiences of Scholars that are a part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Ensures that the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program activities are compliant with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provides guidance and acts as a resource person to Mastercard Foundation Scholars regarding federal and provincial temporary immigration policies and procedures, e.g., Study Permits, Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ), Co-Op Work Permit, Entry Visas, Visitors Visas, Dependants, Post Graduation Work Permit.
• Assists students with the resolution of problems related to their immigration documents; makes direct intervention on their behalf, when necessary. Ensures follow-up with immigration authorities, as needed.
• Provides tailored immigration support to Mastercard Foundation Scholars who are refugees or displaced persons, including liaison with NGOs (e.g., UNHCR, WUSC) and government agencies.
• Develop and maintain specialized application guides and webinars for scholars on the immigration process.
• Manage complex immigration cases for new and continuing scholars (e.g. Study Permit refusal, requests for reconsiderations and reapplications, request for Temporary Resident Permits, Refugee students)
• Ensures that all Program activities are compliant with Article 91 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
• Work in close collaboration with the International Student Services Immigration Advising team to gain up to date information on McGill University student policies and procedures that have impact on Immigration processes.
• Liaises with Immigration Quebec, Immigration Canada and Canadian Border Services Agency, IRCC Country Office authorities regarding immigration policies and regulations in relation to specific cases.
• When appropriate, makes recommendations for changes to office and University policies and procedures to improve services to international students.

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities:

• Candidates must be a Member of the Québec Bar Association.  
• Minimum of 2 years of work experience in immigration law with an expertise in temporary immigration and refugee law
• Experience working with clients from refugee backgrounds is considered an asset.
• Experience working with international students or international work experience.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and inter-cultural competences.
• In depth knowledge of immigration procedures for studying in Quebec and Canada.
• Knowledge of University policies and procedures.
• Proven ability to prioritize and administer multiple projects simultaneously, work under pressure and meet deadlines in a rapidly changing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team with minimal direction.
• Computer literate with all Microsoft Office tools.
• Experience with Banner (SIS) and Minerva is an asset.
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal.
• Experience leading discussion groups and classes.
• English and French, spoken and written.
• Third language is an asset.

Knowledge of French and English: McGill University is an English-language university where day-to-day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level # 4 (Fluent) on a scale of 0-4. 

Bachelor's Degree 3 Years Related Experience /(MPEX Grade 05) $71,890.00 - $89,860.00 - $107,830.00

Job Profile:

MPEX-SAF2B - Student Services - Professional 233.75 (Full time)Director International Student Services2027-04-302025-10-20