University of Toronto Opens Its Doors to Harvard Students Amid U.S. Visa Uncertainty
In an unprecedented academic collaboration, the University of Toronto (UofT) has partnered with Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) to support international students facing immigration and visa-related disruptions in the United States.
This initiative offers Harvard’s international students the opportunity to temporarily continue their studies in Canada—ensuring their academic progress is not stalled due to visa delays or denials in the U.S.
What the Partnership Offers
Under this new arrangement, eligible Harvard Kennedy School international students who are unable to re-enter the United States due to visa challenges can complete their studies through the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at UofT.
These students will:
- Be enrolled as full-time, non-degree special students at UofT
- Take a hybrid mix of online and in-person classes, taught collaboratively by Harvard and UofT faculty
- Have full access to co-curricular activities offered by the Munk School
- Ultimately graduate with their Harvard Kennedy School degree once program requirements are completed
This arrangement is designed specifically for returning international students, not newly admitted ones.
Student Experience and Transition Support
Importantly, this academic contingency plan ensures that:
- Students will not displace or affect the number of available seats for UofT students
- Participation will not impact university housing availability
- Students can return to the Harvard campus in Cambridge once their U.S. visa issues are resolved (anytime before September 11, 2025)
If students regain their U.S. visa mid-semester, they may return at the start of the following term.
HKS Global: A Broader Hybrid Option
Both new and returning students also have the alternative to enroll in HKS Global, a blended program combining remote instruction with in-person components hosted in various global locations.
Why This Matters: A First in Harvard History
This collaboration marks the first time Harvard has established an international academic contingency plan in response to U.S. immigration policy shifts. The initiative comes amid proposed changes by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that could impact international student enrollment.
The program will launch pending sufficient student interest and approval from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
How to Apply for a Canadian Study Permit
Students who plan to transition temporarily to UofT must apply for a Canadian study permit. Here’s a checklist of key documents:
- Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from the Munk School at UofT
- Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter
- Proof of financial support
- Biometrics
- Immigration medical examination, if required
- Police clearance certificate, if requested
Once approved, students will be issued a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.
About the University of Toronto
Ranked among the top 30 universities in the world, UofT continues to earn global acclaim for:
- Academic excellence
- Employer reputation
- Graduate employability
- Diversity of international students
According to the 2026 QS World University Rankings, UofT is #29 globally, making it the second highest-ranked institution in Canada after McGill (#27)
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