International Students 

As a Western student, you are part of a diverse community here on campus. The University is committed to providing culturally sensitive and inclusive services to all students, faculty and staff, while embracing the multiculturalism which defines our campus body. Approximately 20% of our graduate students are from outside of Canada, representing countries from all over the world.

There are many opportunities to get involved with international activities on campus, including joining clubs and campus projects, to volunteering with Western's international community and attending seasonal events. International students must also be aware of important administrative responsibilities with regards to their registration status:

Residency Reclassification

Students who wish to update their residency status with the University must provide proof of this status change to The School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Upon confirming your changed residency status (via Record of Landing or Permanent Resident Card), your tuition charges will be reduced to the domestic rate (plus UHIP until OHIP is obtained). Please note that there are deadlines each term to present landing documentation in order to have the current term's tuition rates reduced.

For information on obtaining permanent residency, please refer to Immigration Options.

International Support Services

There are numerous international student services on campus to make your graduate experience at Western both memorable and engaging.

International and Exchange Student Centre

International students at Western can take advantage of the International and Exchange Student Centre's (IESC) offerings - a full range of services and programs specifically tailored to meet the needs of international students and enhance their academic, social, and cultural experience at the university, including:

  • International Student Pre-Arrival Guide - an online guide to assist students beginning their "Western" journey
  • Reception and orientation service to assist and support newly arrived international students with questions about settling in
  • Peer Guide Program, providing friendly support and assistance with cultural and transition issues
  • Year-round social, cultural and informative events
  • Individual assistance with Canadian immigration and employment regulations, financial, cultural, social and personal concerns
  • English Conversation Program for students (and spouses) who want to enhance spoken English skills
  • International Student Work Opportunities Program (ISWOP) - On-campus work study opportunities
  • Volunteer opportunities to gain valuable experience in a cross-cultural setting

For more information, please visit International and Exchange Student Centre (IESC).

CultureWorks

The School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies has a partnership with CultureWorks, an English Language training program on campus. This partnership allows academically eligible students interested in pursuing a graduate degree at Western the opportunity to receive a conditional offer of admission to graduate studies without successful completion of an English language proficiency test. The condition is that the student must, in lieu of such a test, successfully complete the CultureWorks English language training program.

International Student Clubs

With over 19,500 members belonging to more than 180 clubs, the Clubs Community of the University Students' Council is the easiest way for Western students to get involved at the University. There exist a number of cultural and regional clubs, and each USC Club has a specific niche in our campus community. Whatever your interest may be, there will most likely be a club that satisfies your interests.

Community Legal Services

Western's Community Legal Services (CLS) offers assistance with:

  • Applications for Permanent Residency
    • Federal Skilled Worker Application (for temporary residents with work experience)
    • Canadian Experience Class Application (for Graduates with a Canadian degree)
    • Sponsorship of Member of Family Class (by a permanent resident)
    • Sponsorship of Spouse or Partner in Canada Class (by a permanent resident)
  • Study and Work Permit matters
    • Complications with obtaining or extending a Study Permit or a Work Permit

Upon contacting CLS, your name will be placed on a list to attend the next available Immigration Group Information (IGI) session, scheduled within 2 weeks. Individual appointments with the lawyer or CLS caseworker can be arranged subsequent to attendance at an information session.  CLS Immigration services may also include assistance in drafting and swearing affidavits and preparing notarized copies of your documents in preparation for the above services.

Equity and Human Rights Services

Equity and Human Rights Services (EHRS) provides information on the University’s discrimination and harassment policies, employment equity and diversity and other human rights related issues. EHRS are here to help you, whether you are a student, staff or faculty member. EHRS are dedicated to making Western an equitable, safe and supportive environment for all members of the University community. Their service is confidential except in specific circumstances.

Equity and Human Rights Services also oversees Western's Multicultural Calendar.

International Student Blog

This blog, updated on a regular basis by a current international student, provides useful information not necessarily available elsewhere. You can find it here.

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