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Updates | Events | Tips | Community
December 2023 - January 2024 | Edition 6
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The International Centre Student Newsletter is delivered in the last week of each month.
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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 website or click here. For more information on our drop-in advising schedule, please contact our front desk by email at international@umanitoba.ca or call us at 204-474-8501.
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In this issue
- Immigration Updates | International Student Advising Team
- International Centre Events & Programs
- Tips & Reminders
- UM Community Updates
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Returning to Canada?
Are you planning on travelling outside of Canada for the winter holiday break? If you are planning on returning to Canada for the start of classes in the Winter 2024 term, then IRCC has some important information that you should review for international students travelling outside of Canada and then re-entering. In addition, the International Centre has some more specific information on our Immigration Information page regarding documentation that we recommend you travel back to Canada with to prepare for your arrival at the port of entry.
If you need to meet with an International Student Advisor prior to the University closure on December 22, 2023, plan now! Appointments get filled quickly! Please schedule an appointment in advance for a greater chance to see an advisor prior to the University closure on Friday, December 22, 2023.
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Need a new visitor visa (temporary resident visa)?
If you are planning on travelling outside of Canada during the winter holiday break and need to apply for a new visitor visa, then IRCC has important information on their website about how to apply for a new visitor visa from inside of Canada. On this page IRCC recommends applying for a new visitor visa at least 2 months before you leave Canada, and not to leave Canada until you get your visitor visa. It is also recommended that you don’t book a plane ticket until you have received your new visitor visa.
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Working during the holiday break
If you are considering looking for an on or off-campus job during the 2023-2024 academic year (Fall 2023 and Winter 2024 terms), including the winter holiday break, then it’s important that you review, understand, and follow the strict requirements that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has for international students who would like the opportunity to work either on-campus or off-campus during their studies. It’s also important that you review how the U of M defines full-time status for the purposes of IRCC to ensure that you understand how the institution defines full-time and part-time status at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
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Off-campus work hours temporary public policy
The temporary IRCC policy on the 20-hour-per-week limit on the number of hours international students are allowed to work off campus while class is extended to April 30, 2024. International students already in Canada, as well as applicants who have already submitted an application for a study permit as of December 7, 2023, will be able to work off campus more than 20 hours per week until that time. Read the IRCC website for more details.
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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 December 08, 2023, the estimated processing times are as follows for online applications:
- Study Permit extension: 133 days
- Co-op Work Permit: 130 days
- Post-Graduation Work Permit: 130 days
- Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa): 13 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.
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International Centre Events & Programs
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December 18-22, and January 3-7
UM Welcome at the Airport
Are you travelling over the holidays? The University of Manitoba will have a welcome booth at the Winnipeg airport located close to luggage carrousel #3.
Come say hi and pick up a taxi discount voucher! We will be there 10AM to 10PM.
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January 9
Meet your UM International Community, 3:00-4:15 PM
E2-155 EITC Complex
Hear from University of Manitoba Students Union (UMSU), the UMSU International Student Representative, and Spiritual Care to learn how to get involved in campus community groups, and how to find people to connect with!
Snacks provided! Register now
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January 11
Meet the IC for Coffee
544 UMSU University Centre
Come visit the International Centre staff and on-campus partners: Career Services, Spiritual Care and Student Care! Have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about programs for international students.
Take a look at our winter clothing display so you can learn what type of clothing to shop for, what to look for, where to buy and how to stay warm this winter! Drop in anytime between 12-2 pm, coffee and snacks provided!
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January 12
Get Your SIN on Campus, 9 - 3 PM, 544 UMSU University Centre
Service Canada will be coming to the U of M’s Fort Garry campus to issue Social Insurance Numbers (SIN) to qualifying U of M international students. Saves you a trip to their office!
Students will be seen on a drop-in basis (first come, first served). We anticipate that waiting times could be long and we cannot guarantee that all students will be able to receive their Social Insurance Numbers. Find out more about what documents you need to bring.
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Applications close January 15
IC Student Exchange Program
Are you interested in studying abroad as part of your UofM degree program? The main application for AY24-25 exchange program will be open until Jan. 15, 2024. Visit International Centre Student Exchange Program website for details and schedule a meeting with Student Mobility Coordinator via online booking system.
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January 17
Writing Essentials for International Students
Learn about specific study skills, practice with some writing examples and find out where to get academic writing support. Register now.
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Starting January 17
Weekly Wednesday Conversation Group, 2:30 - 3:30 pm
Join us to learn about Canadian culture and how to adapt to your new home, get tips for making connections with others on campus, and practice your Canadian “small talk”. Meet at 541 UMSU University Centre. Learn more.
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January 25
Colourful Minds Paint Night, 4-7 pm
The Colourful Minds Painting Group is an opportunity for students to explore their artistic expression through paint in guided sessions. Each lesson will focus on a sample image, with options to learn the techniques to recreate it, or create something entirely their own. No artistic experience required! Students from all backgrounds are welcome to gather, learn and connect with each other in a safe, creative, and inclusive space. Materials provided. Space is limited, register here.
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January 30
Study Permit Extension Info Session 3:30-4:30 PM | Virtual - Zoom
The session will be conducted by Ben He, an accredited member with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council and member of the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants.
Learn about the process to extend your study permit, including: how to submit an application to IRCC, required documents, and creating an online MyCIC account. Registration in advance of the session is required. Please register here.
Registration will close on Monday, January 29th, 2024, at 8:30am.
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University closure dates
The University of Manitoba will be closed for winter holiday break from December 23, 2023 through January 2, 2024.
All offices will reopen on January 3. You will not be able to contact any offices during the closure time.
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Winter Clothing Library - Still open
The International Centre has a Winter Clothing Library at our office to provide free, donated winter clothing to new international and exchange students.
Wanting to shop?
The Winter clothing Library will be open every day from 10:00-3:00 pm. Due to available inventory and processing times the hours of operation are subject to change. Please stop by 541 UMSU University Centre, call us at 204-474-8501 or email us at international@umanitoba.ca to inquire more about clothing availability or hours of operation.
Donations Needed
We are accepting donations right now! Come by our office- Room 541 UMSU University Centre and donate the clothes you do not want to wear anymore and help students in need.
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Enjoy Fall Events in the City
Check out Tourism Winnipeg for upcoming events this holiday season. You can find cool festivals, sports, entertainment, events and more!
- Zoo Lights - wander through a winter wonderland and enjoy stunning light displays, tasty treats, and endless joy and cheer. Running until January 7, 2024.
- Canad Inns Winter Wonderland until January 6, a festive seasonal drive through light display each December and January at Red River Exhibition Park.
- The Nutcracker at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet from December 21-30, 2023.
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On-campus Residency Available at St. John's Residence
Are you looking for accommodations on campus? St John’s Residence is available!
A five-minute walk to anywhere on the UM campus, complete meal plan, and affordable rates, find your home at the College. Learn more.
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Healthy U Office Hours
Starting January 8
Students can drop in or make appointments with peer health educators to talk about health and wellness concerns such as home sickness, loneliness, anxiety, stress about managing school, relationship challenges/breakups, sexual health/STI/birth control questions, alcohol and cannabis questions, etc.! The hours can be found here www.healthyuofm.com
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Regulation Station
January 16 from 2:00-3:30.
Held by Karla Penner from Student Counselling Centre, this drop in event is for any student who self diagnoses or is professionally diagnosed with autism as well for those questioning or curious to get to know others, regulate in a safer space, and take time for themselves.
Learn more.
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Pet Therapy
UM’s Health and Wellness will be hosting pet therapy monthly.
January 24 | 11 - 12:30 p.m.
Fort Garry Campus, Student Wellness Centre (162 Extended Education)
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Bell Let's Talk Events
January 24 is Bell Let’s Talk Day
Check out how UM is joining the conversation with various events Jan 22- 26.
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To unsubscribe from the International Student Newsletter, please email Crystal Stewart, International Transitions Coordinator. International students cannot unsubscribe.
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