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Updates | Events | Tips | Community
February - March 2024 | Edition 8
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The International Centre Student Newsletter is delivered in the last week of each month.
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Follow our new Instagram Account!
International Centre is now on Instagram @um.international!
Follow us for the latest information and updates.
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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 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.
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In this issue
- Immigration Updates | International Student Advising Team
- International Centre Events & Programs
- Tips & Reminders
- UM Community Updates
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Thinking of withdrawing (VW) courses?
The Voluntary Withdrawal (VW) deadline for Winter Term is March 20, 2024. If you are planning to VW (a) course(s), It’s important that you review how the U of M defines full-time status for the purposes of IRCC to ensure that you understand how the institution defines full-time and part-time status at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. You are suggested to meet with your faculty Academic Advisor to discuss any academic challenges that you are facing. It’s also crucial for you to check out the study permit conditions information below and meet with an International Student Advisor (ISA) at the International Centre to further discuss how VWing from (a) course(s) may impact your international student status in Canada.
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Want to know about the conditions of your study permit?
IRCC states on their website that study permit holder must meet the conditions on their study permit, including the following:
- be enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI), unless you’re exempt
- show you’re actively pursuing your studies, unless you’re exempt, by
- being enrolled full-time or part-time during each academic semester (excluding regularly scheduled breaks)
- making progress towards completing your program’s courses, and
- not taking authorized leaves longer than 150 days from your study program
- tell them any time you change post-secondary schools
- end your studies if you no longer meet the requirements of being a student, and
- leave Canada when your permit expires
If you are also planning to work while studying, IRCC has additional important requirements related to full-time student status listed on their websites: who can work on campus, who can work off campus, and work in Canada after graduation.
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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 February 12, 2024, the estimated processing times are as follows for online applications:
- Study Permit extension: 67 days
- Work Permit (Co-op Work Permit, Post-Graduation Work Permit): 101 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.
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International Centre Events & Programs
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February 28 - March 27
Weekly Wednesday Conversation Group, 2:30 - 3:30 pm
Join us to learn about Canadian culture and how to adapt to your new home, get tips for making connections with others on campus, and practice your Canadian “small talk”. Meet at 541 UMSU University Centre.
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February 28
Post-Graduation work Permit information session, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM (CT) / Virtual – Zoom
The session will be conducted by one of the International Centre's Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIA) who is licensed by the College of Immigration & Citizenship Consultants (CICC) and remains in good standing.
Learn about the Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility requirements and program criteria including: how to submit an application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), required documents, creating an online MyCIC account.
Information sessions are for current UM students (Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses).
Registration in advance is required. Register by Tuesday February 27, 2024, at 8:30am. Learn more.
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March 1
Money basics and budgeting workshop, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM / Virtual – Zoom
Do you know how the Canadian financial system works? Most of us don’t. Come to our session, Money Basics and learn about the Canadian banking system, credit, credit cards, credit bureaus and how to avoid fraud!
Deadline to register is Feb 28, register here
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March 6
Working in Canada as an international student, 3:30-4:30 PM / Virtual – Zoom
Learn about the conditions as a study permit holder, on/off campus working requirements and the Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility, including: how ‘actively pursuing studies’ is defined (impacts of part-time studies, taking a term off, being put on suspension), and the requirements to work on and off campus. Registration before the session is required. Please register here by March 5, 8:30 am.
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March 6
Cross-cultural understanding and making connections, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM / 125 St. John's College
This interactive workshop will teach you ways to understand cross-cultural communication from a Canadian context, as well as how to make connections with others and build positive relationships. This session is ideal for international or Canadian students who wish to improve their cross-culture communication skills.
Register here by March 4.
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March 7
Colourful Minds - 4:00-7:00 PM
Join us for an instructional paint night and take a break from studying! This is the last session for the year.
Register here by March 1 or when event is full.
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March 20
CRA Info Session: Doing your Taxes & fraud protection, 1:00 - 2:00 PM, Virtual – Zoom
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will share general information about the different ways you can file your tax return and how to apply for benefits and credits, how to protect yourself from identity theft and what to do if you have been a victim. (note: you will not be guided or assisted with filing your personal income tax return during this session).
Please register here by Tuesday March 19th at 8:30am.
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Important Dates
- Mar. 20, 2024 - Voluntary Withdrawal (VW) deadline for Winter Term Courses
- Mar. 28, 2024 - Faculty of Graduate Studies Submission Deadline
- Apr. 10, 2024 - Last day of Winter 2024 Classes
- Apr. 12, 2024 - Apr. 26, 2024 - Examination and test dates
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IC Exchange Advising Hours resume March 1
The secondary application round for unfilled placements in winter and summer 2025 term exchange will open on April 1 (and close on May 15).
Check out our website for more information.
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Things to do this month:
Festival du Voyageur
Feb 16 – Feb 25, at Whittier Park
Largest winter festival - Unique moments, vibrant music and a festive atmosphere await Explore the festival for unforgettable experiences in the heart of Western Canada. Check the website for more information.
Snowdays at the Hollow
Feb 23 – March 10, at Pineridge Hollow (Bird's Hill Provincial Park)
Embrace the winter with Snowdays at the Hollow! Every weekend enjoy: feature hot chocolate, Saturday Sleigh Rides from 11am-3pm, Saturday Pop-up Markets from 10am - 3pm, tobogganing & more! Check the website for more information.
Snow Maze 2024
Contact to confirm due to weather, find them in St. Adolphe Manitoba
Enjoy the challenge of the snowy maze, admire the snow carvings and buildings, slide down Snow Mountain, warm up by a bonfire, be brave and try the Giant Luge run, try a variety of snow games, and of course, a cup of hot chocolate, or an adult drink at The Snow Bar. Check the website for more information.
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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.
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Student Success Week
February 26 - March 1, 2024
Whether you are a new or an experienced student, Student Success Week is about increasing your awareness of the services, supports, and opportunities available to Bisons like you. The week will highlight a broad range of in-person and online events and support related to careers, academics, wellbeing, and community involvement. Check the link for more information on events.
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Science Rendezvous - Volunteer applications open now!
This year’s event will be Saturday, May 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. We can’t wait to have you join us for Manitoba’s largest hands-on science and engineering festival at the University of Manitoba, Fort Garry Campus.
Sign up to volunteer at the event.
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Immediate Housing Available at St. John's Residence
Are you looking for accommodations on campus? St John’s Residence is available! Learn more.
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St. John's College Student Membership
Benefits to your UM experience at St John’s! Find your small community at UM with the St John’s College student membership.
Check the link for more information.
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Healthy U x Charge Ahead Peer Mix & Mingle
Feb 27, 2024, 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Student Wellness Centre
162 Extended Education Complex
As we move into midterm season, join Healthy U Peer Educators and Charge Ahead Peer Mentors to chat and get some tips for your wellness and your academics. Snacks provided. Drop-in any time and play a quick game for a chance to win some prizes!
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Body Project
Starting March 4
The Body Project is an in-person, peer led, body-acceptance program designed to help University age students who identify as female resist cultural pressures to conform to the appearance ideal standard and reduce their pursuit of unrealistic bodies. This program gives you full permission to prioritize self-care! Through your engagement with the Body Project, we will work to improve body image and connect you with other like-minded students interested in having a positive impact on the body positive movement. Visit for more information or email healthyu@umanitoba.ca
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Pet Therapy
March 14 | 11 - 12:30 p.m.
UM’s Health and Wellness will be hosting pet therapy monthly.
Fort Garry Campus, Student Wellness Centre (162 Extended Education)
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NTU Singapore, Global Connect Fellowship
Spend two months at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore this summer!
For Bachelor’s / master's students that are scheduled to graduate in 2025, opportunity to conduct research at NTU, Singapore, from Mid-May to mid-July (the timeline is NOT flexible). Eligible students must email Kennis.Fung@umanitoba.ca on/before February 22, 2024, if they have the support from a U of M faculty member.
Application deadline: March 1, 2024 (all students need to apply via the NTU online portal directly). Learn more about NTU here.
For further
information, please contact Kennis
Fung.
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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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