Finding Our Way Forward: Strategies for Supporting International Students Through Immigration Policy Shifts
08:30 to 12:00
Canada’s International Student Program has undergone rapid and unprecedented changes in 2024 and 2025, creating significant uncertainty for students and institutions alike. In this evolving landscape, how can international education professionals effectively support students in navigating complex, shifting policies while also promoting well-being, managing expectations, and mitigating risk?
This 3-hour workshop offers practitioners a comprehensive, hands-on exploration of recent immigration policy updates and their layered, interrelated and often compounding impacts on international students. Participants will engage in focused discussions, collaborative problem-solving, and scenario-based learning to deepen their understanding of policy changes, institutional responsibilities, and student support strategies.
Through interactive case studies and peer exchange, participants will gain practical tools and frameworks to enhance student advising and advocacy efforts, and the knowledge to confidently support international students’ decision-making in a time of continued ambiguity and instability.
This workshop will be approved by the CICC for 3 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this workshop, participants would expect to be able to:
- Interpret and apply recent and upcoming Canadian immigration policy changes in institutional contexts.
- Diagnose and troubleshoot common immigration challenges through real-world case studies and peer consultation.
- Design and implement proactive strategies for compliance, student support, and policy advocacy.
Facilitators
- Imarú Baquero, RISIA
Manager, International Student Services, University of Lethbridge
- Jean Lomas, MA, RISIA
Manager, International Student Advising, University of Victoria
Collaboration is Key: Fostering a Collaborative Approach in International Student Support and Immigration Advising
13:00 to 16:30
During times of significant uncertainty for international students and institutions alike, more than ever, effective collaboration across units, faculties and departments is key to success in the support of international students.
This 3-hour workshop will explore how fostering strong, collaborative connections across campus partners directly contributes to enhancing the international student experience and allows for a united approach to support international students as they navigate academic and immigration obligations alongside a variety of personal circumstances.
A variety of case studies reflecting recent immigration updates and their impact on international students will be presented. Through interactive peer exchange, participants will better understand the impact these changes are having on our students academically and personally and establish practical collaborative strategies to help students navigate through as they work to achieve their goals and student success in Canada.
This workshop will be approved by the CICC for 3 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this workshop, participants would expect to be able to:
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Understand the tangible benefits of intentional, cross-campus collaboration in supporting international students.
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Explore actionable strategies for developing and sustaining effective interdepartmental partnerships.
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Analyze real-world scenarios to apply collaborative approaches that lead to improved student outcomes and a stronger institutional support system.
Facilitator
- Marisa Norona, M.A., RISIA
International Student Specialist, University of Calgary
