Events | Updates | Tips | Community 

October-November 2024 | Edition 16

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

Tony TK Lau Global Lounge

541 UMSU University Centre

Come visit our new Global Lounge in the IC Office, 541 UMSU University Centre. Available to hang out, study and connect. 

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.

Working during the academic year

If you are considering looking for an on or off-campus job during the 2024-2025 academic year (Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 term), ensure that you review, understand, and follow the strict requirements that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has for international students who would like work legally during their studies in Canada. 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.

Finishing your program in the Fall 2024 term

If you are completing 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. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently updated additional language requirements for PGWP application, review IRCC website for details.

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 October 1, 2024, the estimated processing times are as follows for online applications:

• Study Permit extension: 112 days
• Work Permit (co-op work permit, post-graduation work permit): 130 days
• Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa): 29 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 

• Nov. 11, 2024 - Remembrance Day (UM Closed)
  
• Nov. 12, 2024 -Nov. 15, 2024 - Fall Term Break (UM still open)

View more dates online.

Things to do in Winnipeg

• Heebie Jeebies - visit top 3% of haunted attractions in North America! Opens October 3.
  
• Boo at the Zoo - starting October 4 - The Zoo's transformed for a spooky, spell-tacular spree, with eerie sights and a magical glee! Perfect for kids.
• Canada Life Free Sundays at WAG-Qaumajug - November 10, 11 am - 5 pm. Discover the 185,000-square-foot cultural campus that is WAG-Qaumajuq, including the stunning Visible Vault showcasing thousands of carvings, free access to the exhibitions on display, and Indigenous programming for families every month until 2026!
• See other Exhibitions at the WAG.
• First Friday in the Exchange - November 1, on the 1st Friday of each month, Galleries, Artist-Run Centres, Studios, Shops + Museums stay open late at this free event in Winnipeg's Exchange District.
• Sustainability Tour at the Leaf - November 9, Sustainability was front of mind when the Leaf was designed. Join us on a free tour that explores some of the sustainability features that support our LEED certification. Tour spots are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Do you have children celebrating their first Halloween? What is it all about? 🎃

Halloween is a big deal in Canada! Children (usually teens or younger) will dress up in costumes and go out "trick-or-treating" on Halloween night (October 31). Here's some tips:

• Wear a costume! (add warm layers underneath)
• Bring a tote bag, bucket or pillowcase to hold your collected candy
• When going to a house, make sure the inside or outside lights are on
• Trick-or-treating is often busiest from 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm. (Do not start before 6:30 pm, and often homes will turn off their lights after 9:30 pm)
• At the door, yell "trick-or-treat!" or ring the doorbell
• Ensure trick-or-treaters travel in groups of at least four or five. Young children should always be accompanied by an adult.
• Have a parent check each package of candy to ensure its safely packaged and untampered with before consuming
  

For more information, visit the Canadian Red Cross Halloween safety page for some fantastic tips about being safe (when kids can walk alone, how to walk safely in the dark, how to check candy and more).

Clearing out old winter clothing?

Winter is coming! If you have any gently used winter clothing that you would like to donate to a new international or exchange student, please drop off at International Centre office during office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30-4:30 pm 541 UMSU University Centre. Visit here for more information.

Feeling Stressed about midterm exams?

Check out the Student Wellness Centre to decompress, relax, and get resources. They are putting on many events to help you this term including slime making, drop-in group sessions, and more. Visit their website and instagram for more information.

Dress for the Weather

Ensuring you're dressing for the weather as it starts to become colder this Fall. Dress in layers, which you can take off when it's warmer in the late afternoon. For chilly weather, consider 

• 1-2 layers upper body
• Outer layer, to keep out wind and rain
• Warm and waterproof shoes

For more weather information, visit our resource page to understand weather conditions, wind chill and where to buy winter clothing.

Don't forget our Winter Clothing Library is opening Nov 4!

Community Updates

St. John's Residence has vacancy for Winter 2025!

St. John's residence is a small community of 100 beds that accommodates UM students looking for housing on campus. It is where students find their home away from home. Click here for more information. 

Approximately 30 rooms left!

Where can I go with my degree? (Career Services Workshop)

November 26, 2024, 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM (CT) (Virtual)

Unsure about where you are going with your major? Trying to choose an occupational and educational pathway? Knowing your career preferences is pivotal to your career planning. Attend this workshop to explore your work interests, career values, and personality. The session will also introduce you to career information resources and how to connect your personal preferences to occupational options.

For workshop details and registration visit UM Connect.

Movie night & Pumpkin Painting (Women's Centre event)

October 28, 5-8 pm. Location to be determined

Join the Women’s Community Assembly on October 28th. Come watch a Halloween movie with us and paint pumpkins! Connect, share, and empower with an incredible community of women. We request that everyone RSVPs so we can purchase pumpkins accordingly! Let’s create amazing memories together! Sign up here