International Student Immigration Advisor

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.

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…