A Message from President Alan Shepard

Please click on the link above to hear an important message from President Shepard to new international students.

We've also provided some updates and reminders below that may be helpful as you plan to join the Western community this Fall. Please contact us or arrange to meet online if you need assistance.

Study Permit/Immigration Information

• You should apply for your study permit immediately, even if you don't plan to travel to Canada this Fall.
• If you have your study permit approval or letter of introduction prior to start of your program, you may start and complete up to 50% of your program online.
• You can legally begin a program online from outside of Canada without a study permit. However, approval of your study permit is not guaranteed, and therefore, you would be at risk of not being able to complete your program.
• Any time completed online prior to receiving your study permit approval will not be counted towards Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility.
• Biometrics services at Service Canada are cancelled until further notice. You now automatically have 90 days (instead of 30) to give your biometrics.
• If you cannot give biometrics within 90 days, please use the IRCC Web form to let IRCC know about the reasons.

You likely have additional questions and every student's circumstances may be different. Please see the IRCC website for the most up-to-date information. Or contact our immigration advisors for assistance.

Summer Academic Orientation

Summer Academic Orientation (SAO) is a free program to assist incoming students with their course selection, help answer questions about programs and services on campus and support you in feeling confident to thrive during your time at Western. Our International Liaison team is available to provide one-to-one appointments with international students via Zoom videoconferencing or phone.

Orientation and Welcome Team

Whether you are studying remotely or will be here in Canada, the International & Exchange Student Centre team is planning an amazing international orientation and welcome experience for you! We are working with our campus partners to ensure you will connect with friends, find the right resources and experience the warmth of the Western community right from the start. Dates and times coming soon!

Quarantine Support
For those arriving from outside of Canada to begin the Fall term, you will need to comply with a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine. Please see our International Arrival website for information and resources for you.

Key Resources

• International & Exchange Student Centre Remote Services
• Western Summer 2020 Student Resources Hub
• Western's COVID-19 Website
• SmartStart: Learning - Develop your skills in independent learning, reading in university, lecture-style learning, seeking help, and learning self-assessment.
• SmartStart: Academics - web-based, non-credit courses offered throughout the summer to support the academic transition of new students to Western.
• Digital Student Experience