Several American universities are urging international students and staff to return to the US before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on 20 Jan 2025. This is because Trump has announced plans to sign executive orders on the economy and immigration on his first day. David Elwell, Associate Dean at The Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s International Students Office, advised students to reassess winter travel plans. In Canada, immigration authorities expect nearly five million temporary permits to expire by the end of 2025, including 766K belonging to foreign students. Students from Panjab have been protesting in Brampton since August 2024 against Canada’s shifting policies, as many were led to believe they would be allowed to stay in Canada (SDW Vol 2, Issue 36, Story 7). Education consultants in Panjab report receiving calls from students in Canada concerning emails from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship department Canada regarding their study permits or education records, despite having visas valid for up to two more years. This reduction could lead to a 21% decrease in permanent residencies and a 40% drop in international students. While Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller expects many will depart voluntarily, the Canadian Border Services Agency will enforce immigration laws for those who overstay. Meanwhile, amid strict post-study work visa norms in Canada and Australia, New Zealand has announced significant relaxations to its Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) policies to attract international students (SDW Vol 2, Issue 26, Story 8). Under the new policy, students can apply for the PSWV based on their initial enrolment in a postgraduate diploma, even if they transition to a master’s degree.
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