A panel discussion following the presentations explored the impacts of last year\u2019s cap on international student study permits, such as drops in revenue, job loss and academic program cuts in post-secondary institutions.<\/p>\n
During his presentation, Computer Science master\u2019s student Sarfaroz Yunusov raised questions about supports and investments that could help Canada meet its research, workforce and immigration needs and encouraged small and mid-sized universities to collaborate in coping with recent immigration policy changes.<\/p>\n
\u201c<\/strong>International students play critical roles in research, innovation and academic success,\u201d Yunusov says, pointing to the high concentration of international students working in research labs.<\/p>\n \u201cIf institutions don\u2019t act quickly to help students navigate and overcome the challenges created by rapid policy changes, Canada risks losing its competitive advantage in the global race for talent,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n Applied Health Sciences PhD student Chimerem Amiaka (left), Acting Vice-President, Research Michelle McGinn (centre) and Computer Sciences master\u2019s student Sarfaroz Yunusov (right) attended the Alliance of Canadian Comprehensive Research Universities annual general meeting at the end of May. Amiaka and Yunusov gave presentations on the impacts of reduced international student enrolments at the event.<\/p><\/div>\n During her presentation, Amiaka told ACCRU attendees about the many services Brock provided when she was trying to figure out what she describes as an overwhelming maze of paperwork to secure her study permits and eventually gain permanent residency.<\/p>\n One of these supports is Brock International\u2019s immigration advising team<\/a>, which stepped in to help when the federal government instituted a new requirement for prospective students to obtain provincial attestation letters (PAL)<\/a> confirming they have been given a spot to study in a province or territory.<\/p>\n \u201cThe immigration advising team worked closely with Admissions when PALs were first introduced to ensure a process was in place as early as possible,\u201d \u00a0Amiaka says. \u201cThey have also collaborated with Admissions, the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs, and ESL Services to revise the PAL process in line with the new 2025 rules.\u201d<\/p>\n Amiaka, who calls herself a \u201cBrock lifer,\u201d has been assisting international students since her undergraduate student days, when she was a volunteer helping her peers select their courses and settle into the Brock community.<\/p>\n As a master\u2019s and PhD student, she has helped to support international students\u2019 logistical, spiritual and social needs through Brock\u2019s Friendship for Overseas College and University Students (FOCUS) club<\/a>.<\/p>\n Amiaka has also worked with Brock International to develop a tip sheet to help international students settle into the Brock and Niagara communities.<\/p>\n She says ongoing support for international students is crucial as it allows them to focus their time and energy on their academics and research.<\/p>\n Brock\u2019s Acting Vice-President, Research Michelle McGinn says Amiaka\u2019s and Yunusov\u2019s presentations and advocacy work \u201cput the spotlight on the valued\u00a0contributions of international students make.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Chimerem](\"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG_2058-copy-1050x700.jpg\")