By Sarah Pearl, Assistant Director – International Student Transitions

 

 

CIS Live Member Connections are a way we bring the CIS Community together to discuss opportunities and challenges in support of our school and university communities.

When faced with frightening headlines and ever-shifting policies, I’m reminded of Mr. Fred Rogers (a reassuring TV presence in my younger life!) who reminded us to “look for the helpers.” In international education, those helpers are the school counsellors, university representatives, and student services professionals who continue to show up for students—even when the path forward is anything but clear.

In early June, we brought together university student services professionals and school counsellors in a Live Member Connection to discuss rising anxieties around international student travel and enrollment in the United States. This session offered clarity, solidarity, and practical insights to guide students through one of the most complex and uncertain admissions seasons in recent memory.

From delayed visa appointments to parental concerns, the conversation reflected a broad range of experiences and challenges. What emerged most strongly was a shared commitment to support students with facts, to prepare us all for multiple scenarios, and to build bridges between secondary and higher education systems.

 

Communication and Orientation Strategies

Higher Education Institutions are increasing their webinars and online orientations, and developing transparent communications to share what they know and counter misinformation. Communications strategies include social media, targeted email campaigns, and culturally sensitive outreach. Student services representatives are working to build trust and reduce anxiety ,to expedite the provision of up to date information for students.

 

Visa Challenges and Institutional Responses

Visa delays and cancellations remain the biggest hurdle for incoming international students. Participants shared strategies such as deferral policies, late arrival options, and proactively organizing documents related to student visa applications. Counsellors stressed the importance of advising students to apply early and prepare for backup plans—including higher education destinations in other countries.

 

Counsellor Practices and Shifting Norms

In response to growing uncertainty, schools are rethinking traditional norms for student advisement. Some are now encouraging double deposits    or flexible commitments—even when it goes against prior policies. Counsellors are also helping students manage expectations, prepare for visa interviews, and develop resilience in uncertain times.

 

Safety, Support, and Legal Guidance

Participants raised concerns around student safety, especially given the unpredictability of visa and immigration enforcement. In response, some universities are bolstering legal support, offering 'Know Your Rights' materials, and advising students to be cautious with social media use. Institutions are also working to ensure on-campus safety and peer support systems.

 

Mental Health and Long-Term Impact

Grade 11 students, in particular, are showing signs of heightened anxiety. Counsellors noted that while many students seem outwardly calm, behind the scenes there is a quiet fear about the future. Some students are deferring a year, questioning the return on investment of U.S. study, or choosing destinations with clearer post-study pathways.

 

Complexity of Decision-Making for Families

Parental influence remains strong, especially in regions with collective cultures like India and China. Some parents still prioritize U.S. study, while others express concern about long-term visa viability. Counsellors are navigating these conversations by providing facts, outlining multiple pathways, and resisting the urge to make decisions on behalf of families.

 

Community Support

This opportunity to bring our membership community together highlighted the vital importance of cross-sector collaboration—enabling conversations between school counsellors and university student services professionals to address students’ needs in real time.

In times of uncertainty and transition, community becomes an essential anchor. For newly admitted students, connecting with fellow incoming peers can ease the anxiety of entering a new environment and foster a sense of belonging before arrival. For current students, that same community provides a source of continuity and support. For counsellors and student support staff, often carrying the emotional weight of others, leaning into their own professional community can offer relief, insight, and solidarity. In this shared work, no one needs to feel alone.