Events | Updates | Tips | Community 

March 2026 | Edition 33

In this issue

• International Centre Events & Programs
• Immigration Updates
• Tips & Reminders
• UM Community Events

International Centre Events & Programs

Immigration updates 

International Student Advisors (ISAs) are available for in person and virtual appointments. To book an appointment or find our drop-in advising schedule, visit our website.

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 you may want to review important information on our website about how to apply for a new visitor visa from inside of Canada. 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.

Thinking of Voluntarily Withdrawing (VW) from courses?

The Voluntary Withdrawal (VW) deadline for Winter Term is March 19, 2026. If you are planning to VW, or drop, any number of courses, it’s important that you review how the UM 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. For example, if an undergraduate student drops a course on/before March 19^th, that course will not count towards their full-time status, even though they still have to pay for the course. It is recommended that you meet with your faculty Academic Advisor to discuss any academic challenges that you are facing, as dropping a course should never be the first option. It’s also very important for each study permit holder to stay in compliance with the study permit conditions listed on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

Finishing your program in the Winter 2026 term?

If you are completing your program requirements during the Winter 2026 term and have declared graduation for May/June, 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 submitting 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 how 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.

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 March 3, 2026, the estimated processing times are as follows for online applications:

• Study Permit extension: 89 days
• Work Permit (co-op work permit, post-graduation work permit): 256 days
• Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa): 19 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.

Tips and Reminders

Important Dates 

• March 8, 2026 - Daylight Savings Time: 2:00 am clocks are turned forward 1 hour
• March 19, 2026 - VW deadline for Winter Term classes
• March 23, 2026 Registration opens for Summer term 2026
• April 3, 2026 - Good Friday, University Closed
• April 9, 2026 - Last day of classes for Winter term
• April 11-25, 2026 - Winter Term examinations and tests

View more dates online.

Things to do in Winnipeg

Check out these events happening in Winnipeg in June:

• Learn to Winter invites people to embrace the season through getting active and spending time outside at The Forks. The program is full of activities for all ages and will run every weekend throughout January and February.
• Reel Deal Tuesday, Every Tuesday, enjoy the latest movies with BIG MOVIE SAVINGS of up to 40% off movie tickets, at Landmark Cinemas Grant Park.
• First Sunday of the month, free admission to Canadian Museum for Human Rights
• Second Sunday of the month, free admission to WAG-Qaumajug

Visit Tourism Winnipeg or Winnipeg for Free for other ideas.

Community Updates

Art for All at Bannatyne Campus

March 11, 12:00-1:30 PM, Brodie Centre Atrium, first floor

Family Centre presents in collaboration with Alan Klass Program for Health Huminites & Arts Junktion. Step out of stress zone and reconnect for an hour and half with your inner maker. The folks at Arts Junktion will have lots of materials to work with, and you can join us for a few minutes or full session. No expectations, just a chance to let your right hemisphere take the lead…

No experience is necessary! This group is available to all Rady staff, faculty, and learners. Register Here

Drumming Circles with Kookum Karen

March 13, 2:00-3:00 PM, Brodie Centre Atrium, first floor

oin in for drumming circles with Kookum Karen on Fridays. Feel free to bring your drum, bring water as your throat will get dry when singing. Smudge will be available and ribbon skirts are optional. Open to all, an opportunity for students/staff/faculty to learn drumming and songs.

Check out events at the Student Wellness Centre, 162 Extended Education:

• March 10, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM, Neurodivergent Speed Friending, for all who self-identify as neurodivergent. Spots are limited, register here.
• March 12, 1:30-3:30 PM, St. Patrick's Day with clover crafts, treats and karaoke.
• March 18, 12:00-1:30 PM, Pause for Paws Pet Therapy
• March 19, 12:30-2:00 PM, Crafting Connections: Student Accessibility Services is hosting a crafting-circle style of conversation, supplies for knitting and crochet available for anyone wanting to learn.
• March 26, 12:00-1:00 PM, Transforming Stress to Strength Using Neurographic Art, turn simple lines into calming art.
• March 31, 1:30-3:30 PM, Nature Collaging