ISAs are often one of the first points of contact for students upon arrival in Canada.
They are also the one consistent point of contact for students throughout their student life cycle (from Day 1 to graduation or start to finish).
Niagara College recognizes the complexity of an international student journey, and our ISA team adopts an integrated advising model. This model emphasizes personalized student support, including immigration advising alongside academic and non-academic guidance. We understand that to help students achieve their goals and dreams, it is best to understand and address their needs holistically.
Niagara College’s ISA team has a strong understanding of both academic and immigration processes, along with a high level of intercultural competence and experience. This enables them to effectively guide and support our international students in reaching their graduation and immigration goals.
Academic Advising
Educate students on:
- Rights, responsibilities, and policies that apply to students during their studies
- Student etiquette and expectations in a Canadian post-secondary school class and environment
- Academic plans (Academic Advisement Reports) to identify what is needed to graduate (course, grades, GPA), provide advice on program progression (timing, when breaks occur), how, as well as when the student can take courses to meet the graduation requirements.
Achieve goals by:
- Assisting students to explore academic recovery plans or alternative options for students when their initial plans fail, such as facing financial difficulties, failing courses, disliking their program, or dealing with scheduling conflicts due to childcare issues.
- Offering culturally sensitive guidance and support.
- Assisting academically at-risk students with decision-making and determining their next steps.
Support students by:
- Orienting students to a new academic and cultural environment
- Identify factors that may negatively impact a student’s chances of academic success, which could, in turn, affect their immigration goals.
- Proactively engage with students to help them access the various supports available at NC and within the community.
- Refer students to the appropriate service areas within the school to address their settlement needs, health and personal needs, and socialization issues.
Immigration Advising
All ISAs at the school are authorized and regulated immigration practitioners (RISIA or RCIC) by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants.
Our ISAs support a student’s immigration needs by:
- Educating and informing students about Canadian immigration regulations and temporary policies so they understand and can meet the conditions of their status without jeopardizing it throughout their student life cycle.
- Reviewing and providing guidance on immigration applications and documents to IRCC for both students and their dependent family members throughout the student life cycle.
- Clarifying and responding to immigration-related questions, especially concerning permission to work while studying and possible effects on Post Graduate Work Permit eligibility.
- Guiding students with extenuating situations that can impact immigration eligibility, (eg. Authorized Leave versus an Unauthorized Leave, Academic Dismissal, Withdrawal)
Academic Transition
Similar to culture shock, as a new student in the Canadian college system, you will probably encounter some “education shock”. Don’t worry, your Niagara College International Student Advisors partner with colleagues across the institution to help you adapt to the academic expectations of your NC Life. They can guide and advise you on the following:
- Understanding your academic program plan, classroom and academic expectations, and pathway to graduation.
- How your academic progress and choices affect your immigration status and goals (and vice versa).
- College policies such as Academic Honesty, Academic Rights and Responsibilities, Missed Evaluations, Student Code of Conduct, etc.
- Accessing college support and resources like Peer Tutoring, Career Advising, Health, Wellness, Accessibility, IT services, etc. Each college service is there to help you build your knowledge and skills both inside and outside the classroom.
- Essential skills such as communication, professionalism, and studying.
Your NC Life will be full of adventure!
Even though every adventure comes with some challenges, you are not alone. Come to see your International Student Advisor so they can listen, provide guidance and help you make important connections to help you on your academic journey.