Immigration Support Specialist, Human Resources

Overview

Primary Purpose: The immigration support specialist provides day-to-day immigration support to, and coordinates immigration advice for, senior administrators, faculty, and staff in regard to international hires and visitors in compliance with applicable legislation and university policies and procedures. This position provides specialized expertise and support to university leaders in the development and implementation of strategies for the recruitment and retention of outstanding academic and administrative talent.

Nature of Work: Reporting to Human Resources, the immigration support specialist works closely and collaboratively with the Vice-Provost Faculty Relations Office, talent acquisition, human resources strategic business advisors, senior leaders, colleges and administrative units, USask legal counsel, ConnectionPoint and contracted service providers in the provision of immigration services to the University of Saskatchewan (USask). This role supports leaders, hiring managers, and HR Strategic Business Advisors through the creation of recruitment resources, programs and will keep current with talent acquisition best practices and international and domestic environmental challenges.

The immigration support specialist represents USask vis-à-vis the federal and provincial governments on employer-side immigration applications and issues. The workload is high volume and critical to the success of USask’s academic mission. The work is highly detailed and considerable judgement must be used in carrying out assignments as the impact of errors is significant. The incumbent will face complexities and competing priorities in the delivery of services and is required to manage emerging and unpredictable events in a sensitive and timely manner. This position works with sensitive and confidential information requiring a large degree of discretion and diplomacy. Occasionally, work may be required outside of the university’s regular operating hours, which will be balanced with professional flexibility.

Specific Skills

Ability to work in a fast-paced, changing environment, with the ability to adapt and shift multiple priorities and manage expectations effectively.
Superior analytical reasoning, attention to detail, problem solving, influencing and organizational skills.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Demonstrated skills building strong professional relationships and working with a culturally diverse client base.
Highest ethical standards; ability to handle and manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
Demonstrated client-service orientation and professionalism to establish and maintain effective and trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Ability to work independently and autonomously under minimal supervision.
Demonstrated understanding of recruitment, both domestic and international, global mobility and immigration best practices.
Must possess the sensitivity, capacity and skill to work effectively with diverse individuals in a way that is culturally competent and respectful.
Proven effective time-management skills and the ability to plan, organize, and prioritize assignments; ability to deliver on results while working with others in balancing political sensitivity with ethical decision making.
Knowledge of immigration-related legislation and recruitment, retention and employee engagement principles.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word and Excel; experience with HRIS and applicant tracking systems is an asset.

Responsibilities

In consultation with and on the advice of USask legal counsel, provides front-line assistance on immigration matters related to the appointment of international senior administrators, faculty, post-doctoral fellows, visiting professors, professional researchers, non-academic employees, business visitors and other international workers with a view to compliance and risk mitigation.
Manages the day-to-day aspects of immigration matters by ensuring all stages of internal and external application and approval processes are completed in a timely manner, all stakeholders are kept informed and regular follow-up reviews occur.
Ensures accurate and timely processing of the employer-side immigration applications to the federal and provincial government, and applications for supported international hires.
Represents USask vis-à-vis the federal and provincial governments on employer-side immigration applications and issues.
Ensures audit and record keeping legal requirements are met and records are maintained and retained appropriately with a keen attention to detail.
Guides and coordinates advice to assist assists senior leaders, colleges and units with respect to the interpretation of Canadian immigration law, regulations and policies.
Provides education, training and coordinated advice to deans, department heads, faculty search committees and other USask staff on recruitment best practices, immigration and global mobility procedures and guidelines.
Manages complex and non-routine immigration files relating to various matters from inception to the conclusion of the file.
Proactively identifies immigration issues and risks and provides strategic recommendations to a diverse range of internal clients.
Supports the management of work permit and social insurance number expiry dates; takes proactive measures to ensure compliance with legalities at all times; coordinates and partners with central administrative supports on the periodic communication to employees regarding their immigration status.
Ensures compliance with university policies, provincial and federal regulations, Canadian immigration law and collective agreement provisions with respect to immigration and global mobility.
Acts as a liaison between various stakeholders including but not limited to: Service Canada; Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC); Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA); Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP); Human Resources; the Office of the Vice-Provost, Faculty Relations; USask legal; the college or unit, and the employee to resolve immigration related issues for current and potential international faculty, staff, and authorized visitors.
Canvasses current and prospective international hires regarding their immigration status and requirements to lawfully enter and remain in Canada, to support hiring and retention.
Develops and maintains communication materials, including tools and templates, and updates on developments in immigration, for the purpose of ensuring compliance and raising awareness. Keeps any such public communications up to date.
Prepares and submits reporting requirements on international recruitment efforts to the federal and provincial governments, as required, with the appropriate briefing to senior administrators.
Provides technical assistance and background information to support efforts related to polices, collective agreement negotiations, grievance/arbitration processes, responding to external audits and surveys to ensure compliance with legislation.
Remains current with immigration law and policies through continuous professional development and advises senior administrators accordingly on potential risks and impacts.
Works collaboratively with HR colleagues on recruitment strategy and targeted recruitment efforts.
Supports the Talent Acquisition Consultant by contributing to the continuous improvement of recruitment resources, ensuring the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization.
Provides insights to improve recruitment processes and enhance the candidate experience.
Participates in talent acquisition projects and recruitment related initiatives.
Utilizes various tools to provide talent market insights and data to influence decision-making.

Additional Requirements

Three to five years of related experience involving interpretation and application of Canadian immigration law, policies and collective agreements, and administration of foreign hires, in a large and complex environment. Work in academia, particularly work in immigration for academic institutions, or experience working for large employers supporting employer-side immigration applications, record-keeping, audits and immigration process improvements greatly preferred. Experience working with LMIA-exempt International Mobility Programs and Provincial Nomination Programs on behalf of both employers and applicants is highly valuable. Current knowledge of Canadian immigration related legislation, including the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations, The Foreign Worker Recruitment and Immigration Services Act or pending successor legislation, and IRCC and SINP policy; an understanding of recruitment in both an academic and highly unionized environment is preferred.

Job Nature

Full Time, Temporary

Educational Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline, plus additional certification or training in Canadian immigration or global mobility are greatly preferred. Licensing as an RCIC would be considered an asset; must be in good standing with the CICC with no history of discipline or complaints. An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered and evaluated on an individual basis.