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Plenary Sessions

Tuesday, November 28 | 8:30 am – 10:30 am PT

Immigration Update with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Cynthia Ralickas

Director, International Students Policy and Programs
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada / Government of Canada
Cynthia Ralickas

In this session, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will present an update on the ongoing immigration system review and modernization efforts, specifically related to the International Student Program, Canada’s educational interaction with the world, and the potential for the sector to contribute to further advancing Canada’s growth and prosperity. Following the presentation, there will be a moderated discussion.

This session is approved by CICC for 2 hours of RISIA/RCIC CPD.

Cynthia Ralickas was appointed to the position of Director, International Students Policy and Program at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in January 2022.

Cynthia started her career at IRCC in 2006, and has held many positions in the policy and operational sectors throughout the years. Most recently, Cynthia was the Assistant Director of Discretionary Policy and before that was the Assistant Director of US Relations. She is a strategic thinker who values collaborative partnerships with stakeholders and counterparts.

Cynthia holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Concordia University, a Master of Arts in Political Science from Carleton University, and has completed graduate level coursework in Philosophy at eth Université de Montréal.