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Events | Updates | Tips | Community
December 2024-January 2025 | Edition 18
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The International Centre Student Newsletter is delivered in the third week of each month.
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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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Zoo Lights Festival
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A chilly but magical time visiting the Zoo lights this December!
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Language Exchange Program Applications open
Apply by January 24
The Language Exchange program connects people who speak different languages but share similar interests. The partners then meet each week to practice each other’s languages and learn about each other’s cultures in a friendly, relaxed environment.
Apply now
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Intercultural Leaders applications open
Apply by January 17
Available to all UM students, the Intercultural Leaders program enhances students’ public speaking, leadership, cultural awareness and communication skills during eight interactive group sessions and workshops.
Apply now.
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Meet the IC
January 8, 12:00-2:00 PM
541 UMSU University Centre, Global Lounge
Come visit the International Centre staff 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!
Come and drop in anytime between 12-2 pm, coffee and snacks provided!
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Get your SIN on campus
January 9, 9:00 am-3:00 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! First-come, first served!
Read up more on what documents to bring here.
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Find a part-time job and build toward your career goals
January 10, 1:30-3:00 PM
474 UMSU University Centre
Getting a part-time job 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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Healthy grocery store shopping workshop & tour
January 13, 4:00-6:00 PM
541 UMSU University Centre, Global Lounge
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. Session will be interactive and fun!
Register here
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Introduction to student banking
January 14, 2:30-3:30 PM
Virtual over Zoom
Presented by Bank of Montreal (BMO) - learn about the basics of banking in Canada and financial considerations for you as a student!
Register here
A virtual link will be sent to you 24 hours in advance.
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Working in Canada as an International Student
January 16, 3:00-4:00 PM
Virtual over Zoom
Learn about working while you study and study permit conditions. Topics will include requirements to work on and off campus, how many hours you can work, working during scheduled breaks and when you need to stop working.
Registration in advance of the session is required. Please register here.
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Co-op work permit
January 23, 3:00-4:00 PM
Virtual over Zoom
Learn about the Co-op Work Permit eligibility requirements and program criteria. Topics will include how to submit an application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), required documents, creating an online MyCIC account.
Registration in advance of the session is required. Please register here.
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Study Permit Extension
January 28, 3:00-4:00 PM
Virtual over Zoom
Learn about the process to extend your study permit. Topics will include how to submit an application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), required documents, creating an online MyCIC account, and more.
Registration in advance of the session is required. Please register here.
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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 Waitwell booking site. For more information on our drop-in advising schedule, please check our website.
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In Person Advising Appointments for International Students studying at the Bannatyne Campus!
If you are an international student studying at the Bannatyne Campus, we now have International Students Advisors (ISAs) available for in-person appointments. ISAs can assist you with:
- Immigration regulations related to your international student status (study permit, working, visas, etc.)
- Non-immigration topics: life in Winnipeg, personal matters, cultural adjustment, and UM policies/definitions
You can book an appointment using our Waitwell system.
The appointment location will be at S211 Medical Services Building – 750 Bannatyne Campus.
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New process for changing your school or program
Starting on November 8, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has new requirements for post-secondary study permit holders who will change their Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Please visit IRCC’s website for more information.
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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. Reminder: As of November 1, 2024, all PGWP applicants must provide proof of language ability with their application. Learn more about the new language requirements here. You can find out what your language level is based on your language test skills here. Due to system limitations, you must upload your proof of language ability under "Client Information" in the 'Optional Documents' section of your online document checklist.
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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 2025 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. It is also important to note that the University of Manitoba will be closed for the winter holiday break from December 21, 2024 – January 1, 2025 (inclusive).
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Working during the winter holiday break
If you are considering working on and/or off-campus during the Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 terms, including the winter holiday break, then it’s important that you review, understand, and follow the strict requirements that IRCC has for international students who would like work legally during their studies in Canada. It’s also important to 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. Also, you should be verifying UM dates, definitions, and policies in our institutional documents. For example, you should review how the U of M defines full-time status for the purposes of IRCC to ensure that you understand how the UM defines full-time and part-time status at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and refer to the UM Academic Calendar
for the 2024-2025 academic year to confirm the start and end dates of the winter holiday break.
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Update to off-campus working hours
As of November 8, 2024, students are allowed to work off campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. Make sure you meet the other requirements for working while you study.
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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 13, 2024, the estimated processing times are as follows for online applications:
- Study Permit extension: 160 days
- Work Permit (co-op work permit, post-graduation work permit): 171 days
- Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa): 40 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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Important Dates
- December 10 - 20 - Fall term examinations and tests
- December 21 - January 1 - Holiday break (University Closed)
- January 2 - University reopens
- January 3 - Winter Term Orientation
- January 6 - First day of classes
View more dates online.
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Things to do in Winnipeg
- Go skating at the Rink Under the Canopy and then take a browse at the shops at the Forks.
- Try the Canadian tradition of sledding! Find a hill, take your tobaggan or sled and slide down!
- The Leaf is always a warm oasis from the winter cold!
- Take a drive through Canad Inns Winter Wonerland, open until January 4 (tickets are $23.50 per vehicle).
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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.
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University is closed December 21, 2024-January 2, 2025.
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Have a wonderful winter break!
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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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