Immigration Advice and Support Role at Queen’s University:

Queen’s University seeks a passionate and capable individual to join its Immigration Support Service (ISS) team. This pivotal role involves providing professional support to international students, assisting them with immigration matters, and helping them navigate the complexities of studying in the UK. The position is integral to ensuring students have everything they need to remain compliant with UK immigration laws while successfully pursuing their education.

As part of the ISS team, the successful applicant will collaborate with the Immigration Advice and Compliance teams to uphold UKVI regulations and deliver expert guidance tailored to various visa-related circumstances. This includes advising students on how to apply for Student Route visas, extend visas, and understand the implications of study plan changes or time away from studies. The work will be carried out from the University’s One Elmwood Building.

This is a fixed-term contract for 14 months, and the role provides an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Advice for Prospective Applicants (International Education Perspective):

If you’re passionate about working with international students and ensuring they have the resources and expertise needed for a smooth immigration journey, this role is a great fit. Here is what you need to know and do when applying:

1. Understand the Role Requirements: It’s essential to deeply familiarize yourself with the key responsibilities outlined. This role is tailored to those with substantial administrative, advisory, or management experience, particularly in student-facing positions. Previous experience in navigating the UKVI Student Route/Tier 4 system is critical, as well as the ability to interpret complex visa rules and deliver guidance confidently.

2. Highlight Relevant Skills and Experience: When completing your application, pay close attention to the essential and desirable criteria listed in the job description. Ensure you provide clear evidence of how your professional background, qualifications, and skills align with these requirements. For example, emphasize previous visa application guidance experience, legislative interpretation abilities, cultural awareness, presentation skills, and decision-making autonomy.

3. Show Your Cultural Competency: International students come from a variety of backgrounds, and your ability to empathize with and communicate effectively across cultures is a major asset. Highlight any prior work with diverse student populations, particularly international cohorts, or examples where you supported clients navigating unfamiliar systems, such as visa processes.

4. Prepare for a Competitive Selection Process: Be strategic in your approach to shortlisting. The job description explicitly states that applicants will need to evidence their eligibility clearly. A well-crafted CV and cover letter that directly reference all listed criteria are essential.

5. Mind Visa Requirements (If You’re an International Applicant): For those applying internationally who do not hold a visa permitting you to work in the UK, it’s important to self-assess your eligibility for sponsorship. Queen’s University has clear guidance on visa sponsorship, which can be accessed through their website. Be sure to explore this before applying to ensure your application aligns with the University’s ability to support visa applications.

6. Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Working in Higher Education: Universities thrive on fostering inclusivity and providing a nurturing environment for students. Convey your passion for making a difference in students’ lives, particularly in navigating the challenges of immigration, international relocation, and cultural adjustment.

Why Apply?

Queen’s University offers more than just a job-it provides professional growth, a competitive salary, generous annual leave, wellness initiatives, and access to pension schemes. You will also be joining an institution deeply committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, with networks like iRise (BAME and International Staff Network) and PRISM (LGBTQ ). Working here is a chance to contribute meaningfully to a globally respected institution, while enjoying outstanding development opportunities in a dynamic international educational environment.

Take the next step in your career and be part of a team that empowers students from all around the world to achieve their goals. If this role excites you, ensure your application clearly reflects the skills, knowledge, and experience the University is seeking.