Throughout this past week there has been much media coverage of the announcement the federal Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) made on Monday, January 22. According to the IRCC, the Government of Canada will set an intake cap on international student permit applications for a period of two years.
We know this news may create anxiety and uncertainty for many of our students so it is important to note that current Conestoga international students and those with approved permits will not be impacted by this announcement. Study permit renewals will not be impacted either.
There is still much we need to learn about how these changes will impact our college, but, for now, our first priority will be to assist current and future students in any way we can. Students requiring health, wellness, academic or career supports are invited to use the Ask for Help form to connect with college resources.
As noted by Colleges Ontario in a statement on January 25, the federal government did not consult with Ontario’s public colleges on these significant changes. The college is working with the other public colleges in Ontario and our provincial and national associations to get greater clarification from government about how these changes will be implemented.
Diversity is our strength and we value the cultural and social impact our students make across our campuses and in the eight communities we serve. We remain committed to helping each and every one of our students succeed throughout their educational journey.
The college is also committed to our faculty and staff across our many campuses who will ensure our current and prospective domestic and international students have the resources they need moving forward through this transition.
The college will provide further updates as they become available.