International students at Harvard University face a new lifeline north of the border. If Donald Trump’s latest visa clamp-down stops them from returning to the United States, a contingency plan will let eligible Harvard John F. Kennedy School of Government (HKS) students finish their public-policy program at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy.
On This Page You Will Find
- Why Harvard built a Canadian backup
- How the HKS-at-Munk School option works
- Canadian study-permit requirements in 2024 – 25
- What the new permit caps mean for future applicants
- Next steps for affected Harvard students
Harvard and the Munk School jointly announced the arrangement, which would combine in-person seminars in Toronto with online coursework delivered by faculty from both institutions. Participating students must already have completed one academic year in Cambridge and would register as full-time, non-degree students at U of T, pending a Canadian study permit.
How the contingency plan works
- HKS at Munk School – a visiting-student option based in Toronto that mirrors core HKS courses and co-curricular activities.
- HKS Global – an online pathway paired with up to three short, in-person global gatherings so students who cannot reach either country still progress toward graduation.
- All participants must obtain a Canadian study permit; current Canadian housing and course seats for U of T students will not be reduced.
- The plan answers concerns of HKS’s highly international cohort: in recent years more than half of its students have come from outside the United States, representing over 90 countries.
Canada’s tighter rules for international students
While U of T opens its doors, Canada itself is tightening them. Ottawa imposed a two-year national cap on new study-permit approvals starting 22 January 2024, aiming for roughly 360,000 permits in 2024 – a 35 per cent cut from 2023 levels. Each applicant now needs a Provincial / Territorial Attestation Letter to prove the quota covers them.
For 2025 the cap falls again to 437,000 processed applications, equating to about a 10 per cent drop from 2024 once refusals and extensions are factored in. Master’s and doctoral students, previously exempt, must now also secure attestation letters.
These limits, introduced to ease pressure on housing and healthcare, mean spaces at Canadian universities are increasingly scarce. Harvard students seeking a transfer must file promptly and be prepared for additional documentation.
FAQ
Why might Harvard students be blocked from returning to the United States?
The Trump administration moved to revoke Harvard’s authorisation to enrol international students, citing alleged rule breaches. Although federal courts have twice paused the measure, the policy uncertainty threatens students whose visas lapse or require renewal during the dispute.
How does the University of Toronto arrangement guarantee academic continuity?
Harvard and U of T mapped matching coursework so that visiting students can earn equivalent credits toward their Harvard degree. Classes combine Munk School faculty and HKS professors teaching online or during short visits, ensuring learning outcomes stay aligned with Harvard’s curriculum.
Will students need a Canadian study permit to join the program?
Yes. Even short-term visiting scholars must hold valid study permits under Canadian law. Applicants must include an acceptance letter from the Munk School, proof of funds, and – under the new federal cap – a Provincial / Territorial Attestation Letter showing the place counts toward the quota.
What are the new limits on international students in Canada for 2024 and 2025?
Canada capped approvals at about 360,000 for 2024, a 35 per cent drop from 2023, and plans to process no more than 437,000 applications in 2025. Provinces distribute allocations, and most applicants now need attestation letters. Master’s, doctoral and other advanced students are no longer exempt.
Will studying in Canada affect a student’s long-term U.S. visa prospects?
Generally no. The contingency plan treats U of T time as a temporary academic placement; it does not confer Canadian permanent residence. Students must still satisfy U.S. visa rules when they next seek entry, but Canadian study itself is unlikely to prejudice future American applications.
