Attention: Students and Graduates with dependents in Canada

On January 14, 2025, IRCC announced upcoming changes to the spousal open work permit eligibility for students and post-graduate work permit holders in Canada. We understand that this may cause some concern for those of you with family members accompanying you in Canada.

If possible, we encourage you to extend your stay and/or extend your dependents before these changes come into effect on Jan. 21, 2025.

At this time, we only have the information shared by IRCC on their website. You must read the update directly and completely. We understand that further information will be released on January 21, 2025, to clarify the eligible occupations, along with the final details.

In light of this announcement, we anticipate many questions from you! Therefore, we will host two information sessions for Lakehead students and graduates once the final details are released. 

Please attend one of the following Q&A sessions to discuss these changes and how they will impact your family:

Wednesday, January 22, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Where: International Student Lounge (Thunder Bay)

Thursday, January 23, 10:30 AM -11:30 AM

Where: Zoom

Register here: https://lakeheadu.zoom.us/meeting/register/7yHiQl4EQgiNw_BmcnC6Dg

Until then, we will not be taking any one-on-one appointments about this topic. We appreciate your understanding.

Attention: Students and Graduates with dependents in Canada

On January 14, 2025, IRCC announced upcoming changes to the spousal open work permit eligibility for students and post-graduate work permit holders in Canada. We understand that this may cause some concern for those of you with family members accompanying you in Canada.

If possible, we encourage you to extend your stay and/or extend your dependents before these changes come into effect on Jan. 21, 2025.

At this time, we only have the information shared by IRCC on their website. You must read the update directly and completely. We understand that further information will be released on January 21, 2025, to clarify the eligible occupations, along with the final details.

In light of this announcement, we anticipate many questions from you! Therefore, we will host two information sessions for Lakehead students and graduates once the final details are released. 

Please attend one of the following Q&A sessions to discuss these changes and how they will impact your family:

Wednesday, January 22, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Where: International Student Lounge (Thunder Bay)

Thursday, January 23, 10:30 AM -11:30 AM

Where: Zoom

Register here: https://lakeheadu.zoom.us/meeting/register/7yHiQl4EQgiNw_BmcnC6Dg

Until then, we will not be taking any one-on-one appointments about this topic. We appreciate your understanding.

Celebrate vibrant traditions of Lunar New Year by creating traditional handmade crafts such as paper cuttings, lanterns, and red envelopes! Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a first-time DIY enthusiast, this is a fun and meaningful way to immerse yourself in the culture and customs of Lunar New Year.

Materials and guidance will be provided. No prior experience necessary—just bring your creativity and enthusiasm!

Date: Thursday, January 23

Time: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Location: International Student Centre

Join us in the International Lounge for a movie 🍿 The choice is yours! Check out our Instagram on Monday, January 13th to vote for your choice on our Instagram story starting at 10:00 AM. Voting will only be available for 24 hours, so don't miss it!

Follow our Instagram page @LakeheadIntlLife

This session is for current international students at Lakehead University who will require a study permit extension. You must keep your study permit active the entire time you study in Canada and always apply for an extension before it expires. Join our International Student Advisor to learn more about the process and what is required.

Are you graduating soon, and plan to apply for a post-graduate work permit? Join this session lead by our Int'l Student Advisors to learn about the next steps, what is required and how to apply for your PGWP.

These sessions are for international students who missed the Winter Welcome Day on January 3rd. Please join us in the ISS Student Lounge (Ground Floor of the Library) to attend the Late Arrival Orientation. This session will cover all the information missed during your welcome day and go over any questions or concerns with your Student Advisors! 

Don't miss the #1 event for new International Students!

Start your Lakehead journey off right! Connect with other international students and the ISS (International Student Services) Team, discover what campus has available for you, and embrace the Canadian way with fun activities! All new students should plan to attend Welcome Day.

Please note this event is for new students only. Space for friends and family will not be available.

(Mandatory in-person event for all new international students)

Date:  Friday, January 3, 2025

Time: 1:15 pm - 3:30 pm EDT

Location: Lakehead University - The Outpost

We will have covered a lot of new student topics over the last few weeks and this session provides students with an opportunity to join us and ask any outstanding questions or concerns they may have.

Winter is here and so is Lakehead International’s annual Winter Outdoor Clothing Drive! To provide for all of our international students who may be experiencing their first Canadian Winter or may not have the proper winter wear to keep warm, International Student Services is collecting new or gently used winter jackets, hats, mitts, and boots. If you have new or gently used items that you can donate, we’ll gladly accept them. 

Please drop off your donations at

International Centre, Chancellor Paterson Library - ground floor

Until December 18, 2024

8:30 am - 4:30 pm (weekdays)