Trump Bars Foreign Students at Harvard: What Canadians Should Know

Photo: AP

Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a rule to stop foreign students from going to Harvard University. This has caused concern, especially for Canadian students who want to study in the U.S. But experts say this should not stop students from applying to American schools.

Trump’s new rule tries to stop international students from entering the U.S. to study at Harvard. Harvard fought back by going to court. A judge then stopped the rule temporarily, but the U.S. government is still canceling visas for many international students. These visas are called F-1 and J-1.

Canadian students usually don’t need a visa to study in the U.S. However, those who want to study at Harvard are in a different position. Harvard has around 686 Canadian students enrolled in 2022. It is not clear what will happen to these students or those planning to study there in the future.

According to Global Affairs Canada, about 28,000 Canadian students went to the U.S. for studies in 2023.

Experts say Canadian students should still apply to U.S. schools but be careful. Elizabeth Buckner, a professor at the University of Toronto, said if students really want to study at a certain U.S. school, they should not give up. But they should also prepare for possible problems, like having to leave the school in the middle of their studies.

When applying, students must know the rules. The U.S. Embassy in Canada says Canadians do not need a visa to study or join an exchange program in the U.S. But they must get a special paper called an I-20 from their school. This paper shows they are allowed to study there.

After getting the I-20, students must register with SEVIS, a student tracking system, and pay a fee. When they cross the border, students must show their Canadian passport, the I-20 paper or DS-2019 certificate, proof they paid the SEVIS fee, proof they can pay for school and living costs in the U.S., and proof they have strong ties to Canada.

Because of the new rules and uncertainty, students should think about what could happen if they have to leave their U.S. school suddenly. Buckner said students should have a backup plan, like checking if their program can be transferred to a Canadian university. This way, they won’t lose years of study or money if they must stop studying in the U.S.

Tejbir Singh, who helps students apply to schools in Canada, the U.S., and other countries, said Canadian students might want to look at schools in Canada or other countries to avoid risks. He said students should focus on good education, not just the school’s name. Some students want to study at famous places like Harvard or Yale, but Singh said it’s better to choose a school where they can learn well and get ready for their future jobs.

Singh also said students sometimes like to study abroad to experience new cultures and lifestyles. So, looking at schools outside the U.S. and Canada can be a good option.

Even with the new problems, both Singh and Buckner agreed that Canadian students should not be scared to study in the U.S. But they should be aware of the risks and think about other schools to stay safe.