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Events | Updates | Tips | Community
September 2026 | Edition 39
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In this issue
- International Centre Events & Programs
- Immigration Updates
- Tips & Reminders
- UM Community Events
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International Centre Events & Programs
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Become a Welcome Mentor Volunteer!
Graduate Mentors needed!
Are you a graduate student? We are looking for Graduate Mentors to help mentor a new Graduate international student this Fall term. Email crystal.stewart@umanitoba.ca if you're interested in this rewarding experience!
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Do you want a Mentor?
Undergraduate program Mentors available now!
Are you starting your Fall term as a new international student in your undergraduate degree? We have Mentors available now! Sign up now to be matched immediately.
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Healthy Grocery Shopping Workshop & Store Tour
Tuesday, September 8 | 4 - 6:30 PM
541 UMSU University Centre
Learn how to select healthy food without exceeding your budget! We will start with a 30-minute presentation at the International Centre office, then go together on the bus to Bison Drive Superstore to learn how to navigate a large grocery store. Practical skills will be learned such as choosing healthy foods, how to shop within your budget, and how to read food labels. Sessions will be interactive and fun! Open to all students! Register here.
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Service Canada: Pop-up SIN Clinic
Wednesday, September 9 | 9:30 AM - 3:30 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). Click here to learn what documents to bring with you.
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Land and Water Walk & Talk
Thursday, September 10 | 11:30 AM - 1 PM, Outside Migizii Agamik
This is an outdoor walking tour, learn about Indigenous teachings. Please wear appropriate footwear, and dress for the weather.
Location: Meet outside Migizii Agamik (Bald Eagle Lodge). Please come 5 minutes before your tour time. Register here.
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Study Skills Workshop
Thursday, September 10 | 3:30-4:30PM, In-person location to be announced
Learn about specific study skills, practice with some writing examples, and find out where to get academic writing support. Email confirmation with room location is sent 24 hours prior.
Register here.
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Meet the IC
Friday, September 11 | 11 AM - 1 PM
541 UMSU University Centre
Come visit the International Centre staff, 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! Come and drop in anytime between 11-1 pm. Coffee and snacks provided!
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Find a Part-time Job & Build Toward Your Career Goals
Friday, September 11 | 1 - 2:30 PM
474 UMSU University Centre
Getting a part-time can be tricky, but necessary and critical for building skills to reach your long term career goals! Attend this session to learn how to find a part-time job in Canada – and how you can gain skills to help you become employable after graduation! Register here.
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Friday, September 11 | 2:30-3:30 PM
541 UMSU University Centre
Hear from campus partners to learn how to get involved in campus community groups, and how to find people to connect with! Free snacks provided! Register here.
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Part-time Academic English Courses (PTAEC)
Register by Sept 14!
ELC offers PTAEC to undergrad and grad students whose first language is not English. These are non-credit language courses to strengthen your academic English skills.
Registration is limited. For more information, course descriptions and course schedule, visit: umanitoba.ca/elc/parttime
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IC x Student Wellness Centre: Speed Friending
Tuesday September 15 | 2:00-3:30 PM
541 UMSU University Centre (Tony T.K. Lau Global Lounge).
Whether you're hoping to make new friends or simply enjoy meeting new people, it's a great opportunity to step outside your comfort zone, connect with others, and leave with new conversations, fresh perspectives, and maybe even a few new friendships. Register here.
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Working in Canada as an international student
Tuesday, September 15 | 3 - 4 PM
Virtual – Zoom
Learn about the conditions that you must follow as a study permit holder in Canada; the requirements to work on and off-campus during your studies; and general information about the eligibility requirements for the post-graduation work permit (PGWP).
Registration is required in advance of the session. Please register here.
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BMO Financial Literacy Workshop: Budgeting
Wednesday, September 16 | 3 - 4 PM
Virtual – Zoom
Attend the session to learn about:
- Choosing and using bank accounts in Canada
- Understanding credit scores and credit cards
- Building healthy money habits and avoiding fraud
- Using financial tools and international money transfers
Register here
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Campus Kitchen Cooking Workshops
Monthly in the Barbara Burns Cooking Lab
Join our FREE cooking classes this year. September's workshop is all FULL! Keep an eye out for October's class.
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Bison Block Party with International Centre
Saturday, September 26 | 11 AM
541 UMSU University Centre
Celebrate UM homecoming and join us for a fun-filled day at Princess Auto Stadium, with entertainment sponsored by BMO, a UM Bookstore pop-up, concessions, a kids' zone, giveaways and more!
11:00 a.m. - Meet at IC for pizza party!
12:30 p.m. - Bisons soccer game
2:30 p.m. - UM faculty activations begin
5:00 p.m. - Bisons football game
We will arrange your block party tickets, sign up here.
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International Student Advisors (ISAs) are available for in-person and virtual appointments. To book a same-day appointment, visit
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Thinking about your course load for Fall 2026 and Winter 2027?
It’s very important for each study permit holder to stay in compliance with their study permit conditions. 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. Important note: being on a waitlist doesn’t mean that you are registered in the course or that you will be offered a spot in the course before the end of the revision period, and it also doesn’t count towards your full-time status! If you are placed on the waitlist for a course, it is recommended that you have a back-up plan with other course(s) that don’t have a waitlist that you can add to your record before the course add date (September 23 for the Fall 2026 term) to maintain your registration and/or full-time status.
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Working during the academic year
If you are considering looking for an on or off-campus job during the 2026-2027 academic year, 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.
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As an international student, do I need to be registered full-time?
According to IRCC, to meet the minimum enrollment requirements to be considered actively pursuing studies and in compliance with your study permit conditions, you must register as a part-time student during academic terms. However, the requirements to be eligible to work on or off-campus require you to be a full-time student. In addition, one of the eligibility requirements to obtain a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) after your degree is to maintain full-time status in each academic term of your program. To learn more about how the UM defines full-time status and academic terms for immigration purposes for your program of study, please refer to our full-time status document.
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Meet with an International Student Advisor (ISA)
The ISAs at the International Centre all have the Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) designation, meaning that we can provide information and guidance about your immigration questions related to your international student status in Canada. Be sure to meet with an ISA if you have questions about your enrollment status and how it may impact your immigration status! The International Centre is offering same day appointments with our ISAs with appointment availability opening at 7:30 am (CST), Monday-Friday. To book a virtual/in-person appointment to meet with an ISA, please go to the International Centre's WaitWell page.
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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 August 31, 2026, the estimated processing times are as follows for online applications:
- Study Permit extension: 64 days
- Work Permit (post-graduation work permit): 115 days
- Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa): 12 days
You may need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) with your application. The processing times do not include additional time to submit your biometrics.
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Important Dates
- September 9 - First day of classes
- September 15 - Last Day to Drop irregularly dated Fall and Fall/Winter term spanning courses on Aurora*
- September 16 - Last Day to Add irregularly dated Fall and Fall/Winter term spanning courses on Aurora*
- September 22 - Last day to DROP Fall Term and Fall/Winter Term Spanning classes Part A without financial penalty
- September 23 - Last day to ADD for Fall Term and Fall/Winter Term classes
- September 30 - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day) - University closed
- October 7 - Tuition fee payment deadline
View more dates online.
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Cycling in Winnipeg
Cycling is fun, good for the environment, and great exercise. However, before you make cycling part of your daily commute to work, school or anywhere that involves traveling with traffic, you need to make sure you’re comfortable with your bike, understand the rules of the road, and you have the right gear. View our UM Cycle Quick Guide here.iew our UM Cycle Quick Guide here.
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Jumpstart
September 11 | 5-8 PM
Kick off the academic year with St John’s College!
Join us in the Daily Bread Café for a free BBQ dinner, outdoor carnival games and indoor board games. Doors open at 4:00 PM! A St John’s College membership is required to attend and costs just $10 per term. Membership also gives you access to more events throughout the year, scholarship opportunities, private study carrels and more. Learn more about becoming a member
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Building Healthy Habits
Learn more about Immunization Awareness so you can take control of your health.
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Body Doubling
September 17 | 10 AM – 3:30 PM UMGPS Lounge
Work collaboratively, enhance your focus and complete your goals.
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Resilient U
Resilient U is designed to help students build their capacity to navigate challenges, adapt to change, and connect with a network of support. Through the program, students will explore the concept of resilience and its role in academic success while developing practical strategies to support their well-being and academic journey.
Participants will engage in a combination of online and in-person learning opportunities, including Healthy U one-to-one coaching sessions and community connection events. The program will run from September 2026 through April 2027. Registration is now open and will close on September 18, 2026.
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Peer Scavenger Hunt
September 23 | 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Register and participate in UM's Peer Program Scavenger hunt to win a prize!
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Garba Night
September 26, 4:00-10:00 PM, MPR UMSU University Centre
Hosted by Hindu Yuva - Consists of performances, dancing throughout the night, as well as a short religious ceremony during an intermission halfway through the event.
Check Hindu Yuva Instagram for more information!
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University of Manitoba
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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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