The recent federal government decision about caps on international study permits will not have a significant, immediate impact on University of Windsor students, says provost Robert Aguirre.

On Jan. 22, Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada announced an immediate two-year cap on the number of international student permits to be issued. The cap will exclude current study permit holders, those seeking renewals, and students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees who make up more than three-quarters of the University’s international enrolment.

“We will continue to focus on the student experience and success rates, enhanced domestic student recruitment especially from outside the local region and cultivating additional degree completion pathways,” says Dr. Aguirre.

He points to the institution’s robust support system for international students, including the construction of a new residence, an international student tuition guarantee, a housing guarantee for students applying directly from high school, dedicated international student advisors, and embedded counsellors.

“Going forward, we will be reaching out to ensure that our current students are well-informed about the situation and to address any concerns they may have,” Aguirre says.

This is an evolving situation, and the University is carefully monitoring details as they emerge. University officials will continue to work closely with the Canadian Bureau for International Education, Universities Canada and the Council of Ontario Universities.

A comprehensive communications plan will soon be active to assist international students with the policy changes that will feature using ask.uwindsor.ca as the central reference tool, a landing page for updates about the cap, and virtual information sessions to answer real-time questions.