Harvard and Toronto Universities Collaborate to Support International Students Amid Visa Blockade

Key Takeaways

• On June 29, 2025, Harvard and Toronto announced a contingency plan for HKS international students due to visa restrictions.
• The plan lets eligible students study at Toronto’s Munk School but earn a Harvard Kennedy School degree.
• Students must apply for Canadian study permits by mid-July; Harvard tuition covers Munk School costs.

Harvard and Toronto Universities Respond to Trump Administration’s Visa Restrictions: What International Students Need to Know

Who, What, When, Where, and Why

On June 29, 2025, Harvard University and the University of Toronto announced a joint contingency plan to help international students at the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) continue their studies in Canada 🇨🇦. This move comes after the Trump administration issued new visa restrictions targeting Harvard, creating uncertainty for thousands of international students. The plan is designed to ensure that students can keep working toward their Harvard degrees, even if they cannot enter the United States 🇺🇸 due to these new rules.

Why is this happening now? The Trump administration recently demanded that Harvard provide detailed records about the behavior and protest activities of its international students. When Harvard refused, the administration responded by suspending the entry of new Harvard students under F, M, or J visas and threatened to revoke the university’s ability to enroll international students. In response, Harvard and the University of Toronto acted quickly to create a backup option for affected students.

Immediate Impact: Who is Affected and How

The new policy from President Trump, signed on June 4, 2025, directly targets Harvard University. It blocks new and some current international students from entering the United States 🇺🇸 if they are enrolled at Harvard. Other U.S. universities are not affected by this specific policy. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has also threatened to remove Harvard’s certification to enroll international students, which would be a major blow to the university’s global reputation and student diversity.

At the Harvard Kennedy School, international students make up 59% of the student body, representing nearly 100 countries and regions. Many of these students now face uncertainty about whether they can continue their studies in the United States 🇺🇸. The new plan with the University of Toronto gives them a possible way forward.

How the Contingency Plan Works

The arrangement between Harvard University and the University of Toronto is both creative and practical. Here’s how it will work if the visa restrictions remain in place:

• Eligibility: Only returning HKS international students who have already completed at least one year at Harvard can take part.
• Host Institution: The University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy will host these students as full-time, non-degree special students.
• Degree Outcome: Even though students will study in Canada 🇨🇦, they will still receive a Harvard Kennedy School master’s degree when they finish their program.
• Application Timeline: Students must apply for a Canadian study permit by mid-July to ensure they can start on time. The official application process for a Canadian study permit can be found on the Government of Canada Immigration website.
• Tuition and Fees: Students will continue to pay tuition to Harvard, which will then cover the costs charged by the Munk School.
• Canadian Visa Cap: Canada’s recent cap on international student visas will not affect this arrangement. The University of Toronto has made it clear that Harvard students will not take away spaces or housing from its own students.

What Students Need to Do: Step-by-Step Guide

For international students at the Harvard Kennedy School, the process is clear but requires quick action:

1. Monitor U.S. Policy: Stay updated on the status of U.S. visa and entry restrictions, as well as Harvard’s ability to enroll international students.
2. Express Interest: If unable to enter the United States 🇺🇸, let Harvard know you are interested in the Toronto contingency plan.
3. Apply for a Canadian Study Permit: Submit your application by mid-July to avoid delays.
4. Register at the Munk School: Enroll as a full-time, non-degree special student at the University of Toronto.
5. Attend Classes: Take a mix of online and in-person courses taught by both Harvard Kennedy School and Munk School faculty.
6. Graduate: After completing your studies, you will receive your Harvard Kennedy School master’s degree.

Voices from the Universities

Harvard Kennedy School Dean Jeremy Weinstein explained, “We are unveiling these backup plans now to reduce the anxiety many students are experiencing, but we will not officially implement these programs unless there is adequate interest from students unable to enter the United States due to visa or entry limitations.”

Janice Stein, Founding Director of the Munk School, added, “These are exceptional times… The Munk School looks forward to providing shared academic and co-curricular experiences for students from both our schools if some HKS students are unable to enter the U.S.”

President Trump, meanwhile, posted on his Truth Social platform that “They [Harvard] have behaved very appropriately during these discussions and seem committed to doing what is right,” hinting at the possibility of a future agreement.

Legal and Policy Background

The Trump administration’s policy is part of a larger effort to reshape how international students are treated in the United States 🇺🇸. The administration has argued that the restrictions are needed for national security and to address concerns about campus protests and foreign influence. However, many legal and academic experts see these moves as attempts to limit academic freedom and suppress protest activity on campus.

Harvard has pushed back, winning two preliminary injunctions from federal judges. These court orders temporarily block the government from ending Harvard’s ability to enroll international students, allowing students to keep coming to the United States 🇺🇸 while the legal fight continues. The final outcome will depend on ongoing court cases and whether Harvard can keep its certification to enroll international students.

Why This Matters: Implications for Stakeholders

For Students:
– The plan gives international students a way to continue their studies and earn a Harvard degree, even if they cannot enter the United States 🇺🇸.
– Students must act quickly to apply for Canadian study permits and prepare for a possible move to Toronto.
– The arrangement ensures students can still take part in academic and student life activities at the University of Toronto, without affecting spaces for U of T students.

For Harvard University:
– The university can protect its international students and maintain its reputation as a global leader in higher education.
– The plan helps Harvard keep its diverse student body, which is vital for its academic and financial health.
– The arrangement depends on approval from the New England Commission of Higher Education, which must sign off before it can start.

For the University of Toronto:
– The university shows its commitment to international academic cooperation and support for students facing political challenges.
– The plan will not reduce spaces or housing for University of Toronto students.

For the Trump Administration:
– The administration continues to defend its policy as necessary for national security and to address concerns about campus unrest.
– The focus on Harvard, rather than all U.S. universities, shows a targeted approach based on recent disputes over student records and campus protests.

For Canadian Institutions:
– The University of Toronto’s role highlights Canada 🇨🇦 as a welcoming place for international students and a leader in supporting academic freedom.
– The arrangement is seen as a model for how universities can work together across borders during times of political uncertainty.

Multiple Perspectives: What People Are Saying

• Harvard Administration: Leaders are focused on protecting students and academic integrity, while following legal requirements and looking for creative solutions.
• Trump Administration: Officials say the restrictions are needed for national security and to prevent foreign influence on U.S. campuses.
• Students: Many international students feel anxious and uncertain, but appreciate the backup plan and support from both universities.
• Canadian Institutions: University leaders in Canada 🇨🇦 stress the importance of academic freedom and the value of welcoming students from around the world.

Historical Context: Why the Tension Exists

The relationship between Harvard University and the Trump administration has been tense for years. Disagreements over diversity, campus protests, and requests for student information have led to repeated clashes. The current visa restrictions are the latest in a series of moves that have put international students in a difficult position.

International students are a key part of Harvard’s community. They bring new ideas, help fund the university, and make the campus more diverse. Losing the ability to enroll these students would hurt Harvard’s academic standing and financial health.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

The future remains uncertain. The final decision will depend on the outcome of ongoing court cases about Harvard’s certification and the legality of the Trump administration’s visa restrictions. If the situation gets worse, other schools at Harvard may create similar backup plans with universities in other countries.

President Trump has hinted that an agreement with Harvard might be possible, but no details have been released. The University of Toronto’s program for Harvard students also needs approval from the New England Commission of Higher Education before it can begin.

Summary Table: Key Features of the Harvard–Toronto Plan

Practical Guidance for Students

• Stay Informed: Regularly check updates from Harvard Kennedy School and the University of Toronto.
• Prepare Documents: Gather all necessary paperwork for the Canadian study permit application. The official Government of Canada Immigration website provides detailed instructions and forms.
• Act Quickly: Application deadlines are tight. Missing the mid-July deadline could delay your studies.
• Seek Support: Both universities have support services to help with the transition and answer questions about visas, housing, and academics.

Expert Analysis and Broader Implications

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this arrangement between Harvard University and the University of Toronto is a strong example of how universities can adapt to sudden changes in immigration policy. It also shows the importance of international cooperation in higher education, especially when political decisions threaten student mobility.

Legal and academic experts warn that the Trump administration’s actions could damage the United States 🇺🇸’s reputation as a top destination for international students. If other universities face similar restrictions, more students may choose to study in countries like Canada 🇨🇦, which are seen as more welcoming.

Official Resources for More Information

• Harvard Kennedy School
• University of Toronto Munk School
• Government of Canada Immigration
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• New England Commission of Higher Education

Conclusion: Resilience in Uncertain Times

The partnership between Harvard University and the University of Toronto shows how leading academic institutions can work together to protect students and keep education moving forward, even during political and legal uncertainty. For international students, the message is clear: while challenges remain, there are still options to continue your studies and achieve your goals. Stay informed, act quickly, and use the resources available to you as the situation develops.

Learn Today

F, M, and J visas → Common visa categories for international students and exchange visitors studying in the United States.
Canadian study permit → Official authorization required for international students to study legally at Canadian educational institutions.
SEVP certification → Status allowing U.S. schools to enroll international students under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.
Munk School → University of Toronto’s school specializing in global affairs and public policy hosting displaced Harvard students.
Contingency plan → A backup strategy to ensure students continue education despite unexpected visa or entry restrictions.

This Article in a Nutshell

Harvard and Toronto Universities respond to Trump’s visa rules by enabling affected international students to study in Canada while completing Harvard degrees, ensuring academic continuity despite political challenges and visa bans targeting Harvard’s international community.
— By VisaVerge.com