Harvard Kennedy School Launches Contingency Plan for International Students

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Key Takeaways

• HKS offers contingency plan helping 59% international students continue studies amid US visa challenges.
• Options include HKS Global Online for all and University of Toronto collaboration for returnees.
• Canadian visa deadline for Toronto option is mid-July 2025; survey closes end June 2025.

If you’re an international student at the Harvard Kennedy School, the uncertainty around United States 🇺🇸 immigration policies can feel overwhelming. In June 2025, the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) introduced a detailed contingency plan to help international students continue their studies, even if they face trouble entering the United States 🇺🇸. This guide will walk you through the purpose of the plan, step-by-step instructions for each option, important deadlines, common mistakes, troubleshooting tips, and a checklist to keep you on track.

Harvard Kennedy School Launches Contingency Plan for International Students

Purpose: Why the Harvard Kennedy School Contingency Plan Matters

The main goal of the Harvard Kennedy School contingency plan is to make sure international students can keep studying, no matter what happens with United States 🇺🇸 immigration rules. With 59% of HKS students coming from outside the United States 🇺🇸, the school knows how important it is to have a backup plan. This plan gives students two main options if they can’t get a U.S. visa or can’t travel to Cambridge for the next semester:

HKS Global Online Program – For both new and returning international students.
University of Toronto Collaboration – For returning international students only.

Both options are designed to keep your education on track, even if you can’t be on campus in the United States 🇺🇸.

Step 1: Understand Your Options

Before you make any decisions, it’s important to know what each option offers and who can use it.

1.1 HKS Global Online Program

Who can use it? Both new and returning international students.
What is it? Harvard Kennedy School faculty teach your classes online. You’ll get the same high-quality instruction as students on campus.
Special features: Up to three in-person meetings each year in major international cities. These meetings include classes and activities that count toward your degree.

1.2 University of Toronto Collaboration

Who can use it? Only returning international students.
What is it? You’ll take Harvard Kennedy School classes online and also attend in-person classes at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy in Canada 🇨🇦.
Degree: You’ll still get your Harvard degree when you finish.
Enrollment: You’ll be a non-degree student at the Munk School, but your main program stays with Harvard Kennedy School.
Visa: You must apply for a Canadian 🇨🇦 visa by mid-July 2025 to join this option.

Step 2: Check Your Eligibility

2.1 For the HKS Global Online Program

Incoming students: If you’re starting at HKS and can’t get a U.S. visa, you can join this program.
Returning students: If you’re already a student and can’t return to the United States 🇺🇸, you can also join.

2.2 For the University of Toronto Collaboration

Returning students only: This option is not available for new students.
Canadian visa: You must be able to apply for and receive a Canadian 🇨🇦 visa by mid-July 2025.

Step 3: Attend Information Sessions and Complete the Survey

Harvard Kennedy School is holding online information sessions to explain the contingency plan. They’ve also sent out a survey to all international students to see how many people need these options.

What you should do:

Attend an information session: Check your email for invites or visit the Harvard Kennedy School website for session times.
Fill out the survey: Complete the survey by the end of June 2025. This helps HKS know how many students need each option.

Time estimate: 1-2 hours to attend a session and complete the survey.

Step 4: Decide Which Option Fits You Best

After you’ve learned about both options, think about your situation:

Can you get a U.S. visa in time?
Would you prefer to study fully online or in a hybrid model in Canada 🇨🇦?
Are you a new or returning student?
Can you get a Canadian 🇨🇦 visa by mid-July 2025?

Tip: If you’re not sure, talk to the HKS administration or your academic advisor.

Step 5: Apply for the University of Toronto Collaboration (If Eligible)

If you’re a returning student and want to join the University of Toronto option, you need to act fast.

5.1 Apply for a Canadian Visa

Deadline: Mid-July 2025.
How to apply: Visit the official Canadian government website for instructions on applying for a study permit.
Documents needed:
- Proof of acceptance from the University of Toronto’s Munk School.
- Passport.
- Proof of funds.
- Other documents as listed on the Canadian government website.

Time estimate: 2-4 weeks for visa processing, but apply as early as possible.

5.2 Enroll as a Non-Degree Student at the Munk School

Instructions: HKS will guide you through the process after you confirm your interest.
Note: You’ll still be working toward your Harvard Kennedy School degree.

Step 6: Prepare for the HKS Global Online Program

If you choose the online program, here’s what to expect:

Online classes: Taught by Harvard Kennedy School faculty.
In-person convenings: Up to three times a year in major international cities. These are optional but recommended for networking and hands-on learning.
Technology: Make sure you have a reliable internet connection and a computer that meets the school’s requirements.

Time estimate: Ongoing throughout the semester.

Step 7: Stay Informed and Connected

7.1 Monitor Official Updates

Check your email: HKS will send updates about the contingency plan, visa issues, and any changes in United States 🇺🇸 immigration policy.
Visit the HKS website: For the latest news and resources.

7.2 Contact Key Offices

HKS administration: For questions about your program or the contingency plan.
Dean Jeremy Weinstein’s office: For official statements or urgent concerns.
New England Commission of Higher Education: For questions about accreditation or online degree approval.

Step 8: Watch for Approval and Policy Changes

The contingency plan needs approval from the New England Commission of Higher Education before students can finish their degrees fully online. Also, United States 🇺🇸 immigration policies may change quickly.

If restrictions are lifted: You may be able to return to campus in Cambridge.
If restrictions stay or get stricter: The contingency plan will be activated for those who need it.

Tip: Stay flexible and keep checking for updates.

Step 9: Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

9.1 Missing Deadlines

Canadian visa deadline: Mid-July 2025 for the Toronto option.
Survey deadline: End of June 2025.
Tip: Set reminders on your phone or calendar.

9.2 Incomplete Applications

Visa applications: Double-check all documents before submitting.
School forms: Make sure you fill out every required field.

9.3 Not Attending Information Sessions

Why it matters: You might miss important details or changes.

9.4 Assuming You’re Not Eligible

Tip: If you’re unsure, always ask the HKS administration. Don’t assume you can’t join an option.

Step 10: Troubleshooting and Getting Help

10.1 Visa Delays or Denials

Contact HKS: Let the administration know right away if you have trouble with your U.S. or Canadian visa.
Check official resources: For United States 🇺🇸 visa issues, visit the U.S. Department of State’s student visa page.
For Canadian visas: Use the official Canadian immigration site.

10.2 Technology Problems

Contact HKS IT support: If you have trouble accessing online classes or materials.

10.3 Academic Concerns

Talk to your advisor: If you’re worried about keeping up with classes or meeting graduation requirements.

Step 11: Checklist Summary

Here’s a quick checklist to help you stay on track:

[ ] Attend an HKS online information session.
[ ] Complete the international student survey by the end of June 2025.
[ ] Decide which contingency option fits your situation.
[ ] If choosing the University of Toronto option:
- [ ] Apply for a Canadian 🇨🇦 visa by mid-July 2025.
- [ ] Prepare documents for Munk School enrollment.
[ ] If choosing the HKS Global Online Program:
- [ ] Make sure your technology is ready.
- [ ] Watch for details about in-person convenings.
[ ] Stay updated on policy changes and official announcements.
[ ] Contact HKS administration or your advisor with any questions.
[ ] Set reminders for all deadlines.

Time Estimates for Each Step

Attend information session and complete survey: 1-2 hours
Apply for Canadian visa: 2-4 weeks (start as soon as possible)
Prepare for online classes: 1-2 days to set up technology
Monitor updates and stay in touch: Ongoing

Additional Tips and Insights

Be proactive: Don’t wait until the last minute to start your visa application or complete forms.
Keep records: Save copies of all emails, forms, and visa documents.
Network: Use in-person convenings and online forums to connect with other international students.
Ask for help: HKS staff are ready to support you—reach out if you’re unsure about anything.

What Makes This Contingency Plan Unique?

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the Harvard Kennedy School’s approach is seen as a model for other schools facing similar challenges. The partnership with the University of Toronto is especially notable, as it allows students to blend online and in-person learning across borders. This kind of cross-country academic teamwork could help other universities if immigration rules change again in the future.

Dean Jeremy Weinstein has made it clear that these plans are only a precaution. If enough students need them, HKS is ready to provide a “world-class HKS experience” no matter where students are located. The school is also working closely with the New England Commission of Higher Education to make sure all online degrees meet official standards.

Looking Ahead

The situation with United States 🇺🇸 immigration policies is still changing. Harvard Kennedy School and other colleges are watching closely and will update their plans as needed. If rules become more welcoming, students may be able to return to campus. If not, these contingency options will help keep your education moving forward.

Other Harvard schools are expected to announce similar plans soon. Stay alert for updates from your program or department.

Official Resources

Harvard Kennedy School website: https://www.hks.harvard.edu/
Canadian study permit application: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada.html
U.S. student visa information: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/student-visa.html
New England Commission of Higher Education: https://www.neche.org/

Final Thoughts

The Harvard Kennedy School contingency plan gives international students a clear path forward, even in uncertain times. By following these steps, staying organized, and reaching out for help when needed, you can keep your studies on track and work toward your Harvard degree—no matter where you are in the world.

Learn Today

Contingency Plan → A prepared strategy allowing students to continue studies if visa or travel issues occur.
HKS Global Online Program → An online study option taught by Harvard faculty for new and returning students.
University of Toronto Collaboration → A hybrid program combining online Harvard courses and in-person classes in Canada.
Canadian Study Permit → Official permission required from Canada to study in-person at the University of Toronto.
New England Commission of Higher Education → A U.S. accrediting body approving online degree programs and educational standards.

This Article in a Nutshell

Harvard Kennedy School created a contingency plan to support international students facing U.S. visa challenges. It offers online courses and a University of Toronto partnership to ensure uninterrupted learning despite immigration uncertainties.
— By VisaVerge.com