Updates | Events | Tips | Community 

June-July 2024 | Edition 12

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

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 this issue

• Immigration Updates | International Student Advising Team
• International Centre Events & Programs
• Tips & Reminders
• UM Community Updates

Immigration updates 

Working during the Summer 2024 term

IRCC has announced that the temporary public policies that allowed some international students to work more than 20 hours/week off-campus was not extended past April 30, 2024. However, some international students may be eligible to work full-time hours during the Summer term. International students in undergraduate programs who aren’t required to register in the Summer term and for whom Summer is an optional term may be eligible to work full-time hours in the Summer term, regardless of their course load. To be eligible, a student must have been registered in a full-time UM course load before the Summer term and must be confident that they will register in a full-time UM course load after the Summer term. Any international students for whom Summer is not an optional term (example: Masters and PhD students, undergraduate students in the Faculty of Nursing, etc.) are only eligible to work up to 20 hours/week off-campus during the Summer term, as it’s not a break for those programs. Please refer to our full-time status document to confirm if the Summer term is required or optional for your program of study. Remember – it is always your responsibility to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria to work on or off-campus and don’t work more hours than you’re allowed to.

Returning to Canada

Are you planning on travelling outside of Canada during summer? If you are planning on returning to Canada for the start of classes in the Fall 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.

Finishing your program in the Summer 2024 term

If you are completing your program requirements during the Summer 2024 term and have declared graduation for October 2024, 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) also has important information about the PGWP eligibility and application process on their website.

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 June 14, 2024, the estimated processing times are as follows for online applications:

• Study Permit extension: 53 days
• Co-op Work Permit: 97 days
• Post-Graduation Work Permit: 97 days
• Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa): 24 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.

International Centre Events & Programs

Tips and Reminders

Important Dates 

• July 5, 2024 - Last day to add or drop July-August courses without financial penalty
  
• July 11, 2024 - Fee payment deadline for July-August courses
• July 18, 2024 - Voluntary Withdrawal Deadline for May-August courses
• July 25, 2024 - Deadline for Undergraduate students to apply online to graduate for Fall 2024 Convocation
• July 30, 2024 - Voluntary Withdrawal Deadline for July-August courses

View more dates online.

Cycling Safety

Cycling is a great way to get around the city when the weather is mild! It's economical, a great way to exercise, and environmentally friendly! However, it's important to know that cyclists still need to follow all the rules of the road that vehicles do, including stopping at intersections, traffic lights and riding in safe areas to travel, whether that be the road or a bike lane. Check out this brochure to learn about UMCycle and about cycling safety.

Water Safety in the Summer

• Although we have many lakes and rivers in Manitoba, it's important to understand that only designated swim areas are safe for swimming. These areas would have clear signage (example: beaches).
  
• It is never safe to swim in the city's rivers, retention ponds, or bodies of water you're unfamiliar with.
• When doing a water activity such as boating, water sports, or even swimming, you should wear a life jacket.
• Never swim alone, always have a buddy.
• If you don't know how to swim, or are not comfortable swimming, take swimming lessons! The Active Living Centre offers adult swimming lessons.

Things to do in Winnipeg

• Check out the Summer Entertainment Festivities at Assiniboine Park for a listing of free events happening this summer at the Park. 
• Canada Day festivities on July 1!  Browse the variety of free events happening on Canada Day this year: 
  • Assiniboine Park Canada Day at the Park.
  • Canada Day at Princess Auto Stadium Canada Day 2024 - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
  • Bridgewater Lakes Park Canada Day at Bridgewater Lakes Park
  • The Forks July 1 | Canada Day at The Forks!
  • The Lower Fort Garry Canada day at Lower Fort Garry

• Beat the heat with city pools! Find the listing of heated and unheated outdoor pools, indoor pools, wading pools and splash pads found on the City of Winnipeg site. Most pools opening June 21 and June 28.

Mental Health Supports for International Students

There are many supports available for international students, free of charge in a variety of options.

Student Counselling and Wellness at the University of Manitoba is available to provide support and services to all University of Manitoba students, including international students. All of our services are free and international students can choose from a variety of options to receive help.

Our Health and Wellness services include the recently opened Student Wellness Centre at 162 Extended Education where you can drop by to rest, recharge or connect with other students. The Student Wellness Centre hosts our peer support program called Healthy U – a team of friendly student volunteers who are available to talk with about a variety of health topics.

Community Updates

Beat in the Heat: UM Drum Circle

Weekly from June 12 - August 21

Come connect with fellow students and UM community members to experience the joy of drumming together. Focus is on expression, connection, and fun.

All skill levels welcome including beginners. Instruments will be provided. Please RSVP ahead to ensure you get a drum.

Learn more.