Events | Updates | Tips | Community 

January-February 2025 | Edition 19

The International Centre Student Newsletter is delivered in the third week of each month.  

In this issue

• International Centre Events & Programs
• Immigration Updates
• Tips & Reminders
• UM Community Events

International Centre Events & Programs

Immigration updates 

The International Centre

International Student Advisors (ISAs) are available for in person and virtual appointments. To book an appointment with one of our student advisors visit our Waitwell booking site. For more information on our drop-in advising schedule, please check our website.

In Person Advising Appointments for International Students studying at the Bannatyne Campus!

If you are an international student studying at the Bannatyne Campus, we now have International Students Advisors (ISAs) available for in-person appointments. ISAs can assist you with:

• Immigration regulations related to your international student status (study permit, working, visas, etc.)
• Non-immigration topics: life in Winnipeg, personal matters, cultural adjustment, and UM policies/definitions

You can book an appointment using our Waitwell system. The appointment location will be at S211 Medical Services Building – 750 Bannatyne Campus.

New process for changing your school or program

Starting on November 8, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has new requirements for post-secondary study permit holders who will change their Designated Learning Institution (DLI). IRCC has instituted a grace period for students starting at a new DLI from January 1, 2025 – May 1, 2025, if they’re meeting very specific and strict requirements. Please visit IRCC’s website for more information.

Thinking about your course load for the Winter 2025 term? 

It’s very important for each study permit holder to stay in compliance with the study permit conditions listed on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. To learn more about how UM defines full-time student status, and the immigration impacts of part-time studies, review our Understanding your enrollment status page for details. Please note that being on a waitlist doesn’t guarantee that you will be able to register for that course and being on a waitlist does not count towards your full-time student status.

Working during the Winter 2025 term

If you are considering working on and/or off-campus during the Winter 2025 terms then it’s important that you review, understand, and follow the strict requirements that IRCC has for international students who would like work legally during their studies in Canada. It’s also important to review our Working in Canada as an International Student page for details such as what is considered as work, who can work, how many hours you can work and when you need to stop working. Also, you should be verifying UM dates, definitions, and policies in our institutional documents. For example, you should review how the U of M defines full-time status for the purposes of IRCC to ensure that you understand how the UM defines full-time and part-time status at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.  

Update to off-campus working hours

As of November 8, 2024, students are allowed to work off campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. Make sure you meet the other requirements for working while you study.

Finished your program in the Fall 2024 term?

If you have completed your program requirements during the Fall 2024 term, then you may be considering applying for the post-graduation work permit (PGWP). The International Centre has detailed information about who is eligible to apply for the PGWP, what documents to include, and step-by-step instructions on how to submit an online application for a PGWP on our website. In addition, the Registrar’s Office has helpful information about how to request a document confirming that you have completed your program requirements, as well as the steps to request an official transcript. Reminder: As of November 1, 2024, all PGWP applicants must provide proof of language ability with their application. Learn more about the new language requirements here. You can find out what your language level is based on your language test skills here. Due to system limitations, you must upload your proof of language ability under "Client Information" in the 'Optional Documents' section of your online document checklist.

Application Processing Times

Estimated processing times for permits and visas are reported on the IRCC website. You can find the processing time for a specific application here. Processing time estimates are updated weekly. As of January 20, 2025, the estimated processing times are as follows for online applications:

• Study Permit extension: 124 days
• Work Permit (co-op work permit, post-graduation work permit): 146 days
• Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa): 51 days

You may need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) with your application. The processing times do not include additional time to give your biometrics.

Tips and Reminders

Important Dates 

• February 5 - Winter term fee payment deadline
• February 18-21 - Winter break (no classes)
• February 17 - Louis Riel Day - University Closed
• March 19 - VW deadline for winter term classes

View more dates online.

Embrace the Winter weather

Whether you are willing to brave the cold or not, there are numerous activities around the city (and province) that you can explore. Many such activities can be found right here on campus. Read more.

Things to do in Winnipeg

• Skating Trail at the Forks. Skate rentals available!
• The Windsor Park Nordic Centre has 15km of cross-country ski trails suitable for all levels and they offer rentals for those who need.
• Fort Whyte Alive has beautiful trails suitable for walking or snowshoeing with chances to see snow-covered Bison. 
• Festival du Voyageur in February, which features live music, activities and delicious food. This annual 10-day event in February is now the largest francophone event in Western Canada, welcoming over 75,000 festivalgoers annually. The festival showcases the arts in a variety of disciplines, including music, dance, snow sculpting and visual arts, with an emphasis on Francophone and Indigenous artists.

Visit Tourism Winnipeg for other ideas.

Dressing Safely for Winnipeg Winters

In Winnipeg, temperatures drop to extreme cold levels each year in the winter. 

In cold weather, limit the time you spend outside. Wear 2-3 layers on the top and bottom and ensure your outer layer is waterproof and wind resistant. Wear a hat, boots, and mittens or gloves. 

• Warm hat
• 2-3 layers upper body
• Outer layer, to keep out wind and wet snow
• Gloves
• 1-2 layers lower body
• Waterproof boots

In periods of extreme cold, avoid spending time outside. Cover all exposed skin and dress in 3 or more layers on the top and bottom, ensuring your outer layer is waterproof and wind resistant. Wear waterproof boots, a hat, and mittens or gloves.

• Warm hat
• Face mask
• 3+ Layers upper body, one being insulating
• Outer layer to keep out wind
• Gloves
• 2+ bottom layers
• Waterproof boots

Consult the Weather Office website for the wind chill forecast and current values where you are.

Community Updates

Immediate Availability at St John's College Residence

SJC residence offers a welcoming, supportive environment that helps students feel at home while pursuing their studies at the University of Manitoba. We currently have rooms available for immediate occupancy, featuring:

• Furnished rooms
• Housekeeping & laundry services
• Two student lounges
• Games Room
• Full Kitchen Access to cook their own meals or snacks anytime
• Meal plan from our in-house food services team
• Access to St John’s College facilities and services

Students can learn more about our residence through our website and apply to the residence online.

English Language Centre Part-time courses available

There is still room to register for Winter Part-Time Academic English Courses (PTAEC). The following courses still have availability:

• Oral Presentations
• Research Writing for Graduate Students
• Conversation and Discussion
• Pronunciation for Effective Communication
• Oral English for Graduate Students

Course Length: 30 hours, once a week. For information about the courses and to download the registration form, please see Registration, schedules and courses page.

CBC Asks Townhall on Jan 28

Join CBC Manitoba at UMSU University Centre Fireside Lounge next Tuesday, January 28 from 3-4:30 p.m. as we talk about issues facing international students today. (Free coffee and donuts). For more details, email donna.carreiro@cbc.ca.

Are you a caregiver to children or older adults?

The UM Task Force on Mental Health and Wellbeing recognizes as a caregiver, you may hvae a unique experience with regard to challenges or barriers to wellbeing.

If you are a caregiver (to children and/or older adults), we invite you to share your perspectives at one of our scheduled focus groups listed below (either in-person or virtually). Your feedback will inform upcoming changes in the ways we support mental health and well-being at the UM.

Please email Jaclyn Angel at Jaclyn.angel@umanitoba.ca by January 28^th, 2025 to register for one of the following sessions (space is limited to 30 for the in-person consultation).

• January 30^th, 2025 – 10:00am - 11:00am (in person meeting) in the Student Counselling Centre Large Classroom (474 University Centre)
• January 30^th, 2025 – 2:00pm - 3:00pm (Virtual meeting).