Updates | Events | Tips | Community 

April - May 2024 | Edition 10

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 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.

In this issue

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

Immigration updates 

Need a new visitor visa (temporary resident visa)?

If you are planning on travelling outside of Canada during summer 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.

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 Winter 2024 term

If you are completing your program requirements during the Winter 2024 term and have declared graduation for May/June, then you may be considering applying for the post-graduation work permit (PGWP). IRCC has some important information on their website about who can apply, and how to apply, for this work permit. 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.

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 April 12, 2024, the estimated processing times are as follows for online applications:

• Study Permit extension: 68 days
• Co-op Work Permit: 97 days
• Post-Graduation Work Permit: 97 days
• Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa): 16 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

• Apr. 12, 2024 - Apr. 26, 2024 – Final Examination and test dates
• May 4, 2024 – Annual Traditional Pow Wow 
• May 16, 2024 - Convocation Ceremony – Bannatyne Campus
• May 16, 2024 - Last day to VW Winter/Summer spanning course
• May 22, 2024 – Fee payment deadlines
• June 4 - 7, 2024 - Convocation Ceremony (Fort Garry Campus)
• June 10, 2024 - Final grade appeal deadline (Winter Term and Fall/Winter Term spanning courses)

How to prepare for finals and feel less stressed

BEFORE EXAMS START

• Know your schedule and locations - Be sure to confirm your exam dates, times, and locations, well in advance of the exam period. Your exam locations and schedule be found the ‘My Exams’ card in the New Aurora and on the Final Exam Schedule webpage. You can find everything you need to know, including what to do if you have exam conflicts, or you miss an exam on the Final Exam webpage.
• Talk to your Professor - Make sure you know the exam format (i.e., multiple choice, long answer, essay) and how much time you’ll have to write. Confirm if there are specific materials you are, or are not, permitted to have in the room, eg formula sheet or calculator. Ask if your instructor has any sample exams that would be helpful.
• Study Smarter, not Harder - Find lots of useful tips for studying and self-care. Use proven and effective techniques to make the most of your study time. Organize and stick to a schedule, then test yourself with a variety of practice problems. Don’t forget to practice self-care while you study and on exam days. Be sure to find supports you can use and check out Prepping for Finals to learn more about exam prep strategies!

ON EXAM DAY

• Show up. It seems obvious, but exams are easier to miss than you think. Set your alarm and leave plenty of time to get to campus and to your exam room.
• Bring ID. Students must present a photo identification. Bring your student ID card or another piece of photo identification with you and place it on top of your table before starting your exam.
• Show your integrity. Be sure to review the Academic Integrity webpage. The best way to avoid academic misconduct is to do the actual work. Students often report that they resort to cheating because they feel unprepared but still wanted a good grade. Avoid cheating by studying smart and ahead of time. Here are a few more tips to help avoid an allegation of misconduct.

Graduating?

Graduating students will receive communication and instructions from the Registrar's Office as Convocation approaches.

These communications will break down the graduation process and let you know what you need to do before graduation. The communications cover topics such as:

• Confirming your legal name is correct on our records.
• Confirming your address is up to date on Aurora.
• Confirming the degree you are receiving.

Read more about Graduate FAQ's here. 

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.

Things to do in Winnipeg

• First Fridays in the Exchange, from 5-9 pm on the first 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, April 20, 2024 & May 18, 2024 - Join a free tour that explores some of the sustainability features. Tour spots are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit website for more details. 
• Dome @Home Planetarium Series, April 25, 2024 for the rest of the year -Thursdays at 7:00 pm. The Manitoba Museum presents DOME@HOME, a weekly series of FREE virtual programming inviting Manitobans to explore the universe. Join Planetarium Astronomer Scott Young as we identify constellations and planets in the real sky, discover upcoming celestial events, and look at trending space science and astronomy news. Visit Website for more information.

Community Updates