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Updates | Events | Tips | Community 

September 2023 | Edition 3

The International Student Newsletter is delivered on the last week of every month.

The International Centre

The International Student Advisors (ISAs) are available through e-mail, online or in-person Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. If you’d like to be connected with an ISA, you can contact our Receptionist at international@umanitoba.ca or 204-474-8501, book an appointment online or drop-in at 541 UMSU University Centre.

In this issue

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

 

Immigration updates 

    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 September 18, 2023, the estimated processing times are as follows for online applications:

    • Study Permit extension: 71 days
    • Co-op Work Permit: 141 days
    • Post-Graduation Work Permit: 141 days
    • Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa): 17 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.

    Working during the academic year

    If you are considering looking for an on or off-campus job during the 2023-2024 academic year (Fall 2023 and Winter 2024 terms), then it’s important that you review, understand, and follow the strict requirements that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has for international students who would like the opportunity to work either on-campus or off-campus during their studies. It’s also 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.

    Graduating in October 2023

    If you have completed your program requirements during the Summer 2023 term and have declared graduation for October, 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

    International Centre Events

      October 4, 11, 18 & 25

      Weekly Wednesday Conversation Group, 2:30 - 3:30 pm on Wednesdays

      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 each week. Learn more.

      October 16

      Co-op Work Permit Info Session

      3:30 - 4:30 pm | Virtual/Zoom Session

      Attend this information session to learn about Co-op Work Permit eligibility requirements and program criteria, including: how to submit an application to IRCC, required documents, and creating an online MyCIC account.

      Registration is required. Registration closes Friday, October 13, 2023, at 8:30am. Register here.

      October 17

      Post-Grad Work Permit Info Session

      3:30 - 4:30 pm | Virtual/Zoom Session

      Attend this information session to learn about the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility requirements and program criteria including: how to submit an application to IRCC, required documents, and creating an online MyCIC account.
      Registration is required. Registration closes Monday, October 16, 2023, at 8:30am. Register here.

      October 24

      Study Permit Extension Info Session

      3:30 - 4:30 pm | Virtual/Zoom Session

      Attend this information session to learn about the process to extend your study permit including: how to submit an application to IRCC, required documents, and creating an online MyCIC account.

      Registration is required. Registration closes Monday, October 23, 2023, at 8:30am.  Register here.

      October 25

      Colourful Minds Painting Group

      The Colourful Minds Painting Group is an opportunity for students to explore their artistic expression through paint in guided sessions. Each lesson will focus on a sample image, with options to learn the techniques to recreate it, or create something entirely their own. No artistic experience required! Students from all backgrounds are welcome to gather, learn and connect with each other in a safe, creative, and inclusive space. Materials provided. Space is limited, register here.

      October 31

      Save the date: Halloween Event!

      Take a look at our website in the coming weeks to find out what we're planning for Halloween! 
      Check out IC Events on our calendar.

      Tips and Reminders

        UM General Bursary Program

        Applications for the 2023/24 academic year are now live!

        The application deadline date is October 1. Read more about eligibility and how to apply: UM General Bursary Program

        (Note: International students in their first year of post-secondary study in Canada are not eligible to apply to the general bursary program.)

        Fall Tuition Fee Payment Deadline

        October 4

        Pay your fees by the deadline to avoid late fees and holds on your student account!

        University closure dates

        Plan ahead and schedule appointments in advance

        The University of Manitoba will be closed on Monday, October 2, for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation; and on Monday, October 9, for Thanksgiving.

        2023 Tony T.K. Lau Awards for Volunteer Service to International Students

        The International Centre is pleased to announce that applications for the 2023 Tony T.K. Lau Awards for Volunteer Service to International Students are now open!

        One bursary and one scholarship are available. Bursary applications close October 1st, and scholarship applications close on October 22nd.

        Please visit our page on Funding and Awards for more information, eligibility, criteria, and application materials. 

        Nahlah Ayed Prize for Student Leadership and Global Citizenship

        Do you know a student who demonstrates exceptional vision, passion, commitment, and whose actions are helping to bridge the local and the global?  If you do, we are asking students, staff, or faculty to nominate them for the Nahlah Ayed Prize for Student Leadership and Global Citizenship. Nominations are open October 1 for the 2023 prize, closing on November 15. Two prizes are available annually, for one Canadian and one international student.   

        To learn more about the Prize and to nominate a student, visit the International Centre website or email ic.awards@umanitoba.ca

        IC Exchange Program Advising Opens October 9

        If you are interested in studying abroad in the next academic year (2024-2025) through IC student exchange program, please visit student exchange program website for more information and to schedule a meeting with Naomi Fujiwara, Student Mobility Coordinator. 

        Enjoy Fall Events in the City

        Make sure you enjoy the beautiful Autumn season

        Check out Tourism Winnipeg for upcoming events for the Fall. You can find cool festivals, sports, entertainment, events and more! 

        Community Updates

          Join us for 25th annual ASE Career Fair

          Students can mark their calendars for Tuesday, October 3 and plan to attend this annual October event from 2 - 6:30 p.m. This annual event is open to all University of Manitoba students and alumni interested in opportunities in these industry sectors.

          Learn more about ASE, see a complete list of exhibitors and register for a prep workshop at the ASE Career Fair site

          UM Food Bank Volunteers Needed

          The UM Food Bank is looking for student volunteers! If you have eligible students who want to help out, please ask them to email foodbank@umanitoba.ca. Students must be full time for the 23/24 year and be willing to offer at least 3-5 hours weekly.

            New Student Wellness Centre

              Come visit the new student space in 162 Extended Education Building for:

              • Engaging in and maintaining well being
              • Fostering community
              • Connecting with like-minded students
              • Consultations, peer support and holistic health initiatives
              • Rest, learning and growth

                Learn more about the Wellness Centre.

              International Student Survey

              CBIE International Student Survey being sent out in October

              Attention international students in Canada! Share your international student experience by filling out a survey and get a chance to win $1,000. Don’t miss this opportunity! This will be sent out by the International Centre. 

              Antiracism Group: Accountability and Resiliency When Building an Antiracist Culture

              This 6-week group is for any student who is committed to antiracism, and the self-explorations and self-challenges that may arise when building an antiracist culture.

              Group meets Wednesdays from 1:30 - 3:00 pm October 4-November 15. Register here.

              Understanding and Healing from the Soul Wounds of Racialized Trauma

              This 4-week group is for students who identify as Indigenous or Bodies of Culture and will focus on understanding the impact of racialized trauma, recognizing how racialized trauma may be presenting in the body, and learning individual and community healing strategies. 

              Tuesdays from 12:00 - 1:15 pm, October 17 - November 7, 2023. Register here.

              Mindfulness Meditation

              Meditate with a Buddhist Monk every Wednesday, 5:00-6:00 pm in the Multi-Faith Centre, Room 521, fifth floor, UMSU University Centre.

                Welcome New International Students!

                Our International Orientation on August 28 had 270 students attend, and our Late Orientation on September 15 had 58 students attend!  A big thank you to our wonderful volunteers who helped support our new students! We enjoyed fantastic weather for our outdoor Movie Night watching Jurassic Park on September 1! Overall, all orientation workshops and events had over 580 students participate! 

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