Events | Updates | Tips | Community 

November-December 2024 | Edition 17

The International Centre Student Newsletter is delivered in the third week of each month.  

In this issue

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

International Centre Events & Programs

Immigration updates 

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.

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.

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.

Pathways to Permanent Residency Information Session

IRCC is now offering a virtual questions and answers series for international students who want to stay in Canada after they graduate. Each 1-hour session will allow international students to ask questions about future pathways to permanent residence in Canada. To prepare for these sessions, students should watch the related video before they register. For more information about these sessions, and the link to register, please visit IRCC’s website.

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). The U of M will re-open at 8:30 am on January 2, 2025. What this means is that if you need to order documentation before the winter holiday break, you need to plan ahead and order it early to ensure that you receive it in advance of when the University will close at 4:30 pm on Friday, December 20, 2024.

Need a new temporary resident visa (TRV)/visitor visa?

If you are planning on travelling outside of Canada during the winter holiday break and need to apply for a new visa, then it’s important that you plan early and submit your application as soon as possible! On the International Centre website, there is a detailed page on how to apply for a new TRV/visitor visa from inside of Canada. On IRCC’s website about how to apply for a new TRV/visitor visa from inside of Canada they recommend applying for a new visa at least 2 months before you leave Canada, and not to leave Canada until you get your visa. It is also recommended that you don’t book a plane ticket until you have received your new visa.

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.

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. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently updated additional language requirements for PGWP application, review IRCC website for details.

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 November 14, 2024, the estimated processing times are as follows for online applications:

• Study Permit extension: 155 days
• Work Permit (co-op work permit, post-graduation work permit): 168 days
• Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa): 23 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 

• 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.

Things to do in Winnipeg

• Christmas Markets and Holiday Craft Shows - visit one of the many markets and craft sales happening around the city this holiday season.
  
• The Manitoba Museum presents DOME@HOME, a weekly series of FREE virtual programming inviting Manitobans to explore the universe. November 28, 2024 7:00-8:00 pm at Manitoba Museum. Free.
• Canada Life Free Sundays @ WAG-Qaumajuq, December 8, 2024 11-5 pm.

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.

Community Updates

Where can I go with my degree? (Career Services Workshop)

November 26, 2024, 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM (CT) (Virtual)

Unsure about where you are going with your major? Trying to choose an occupational and educational pathway? Knowing your career preferences is pivotal to your career planning. Attend this workshop to explore your work interests, career values, and personality. The session will also introduce you to career information resources and how to connect your personal preferences to occupational options.

For workshop details and registration visit UM Connect.

Pause for Paws Pet Therapy (Bannatyne Campus)

December 2, 2024, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM (CT), Brodie Atrium

Come join us to pet some furry friends and help reduce stress of final exams!

Pause for Paws Pet Therapy (Fort Garry Campus)

December 3, 2024, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM (CT), Student Wellness Centre - Room 162 Extended Education Complex

Come join us to pet some furry friends and help reduce stress of final exams!

Resume & Cover Letter Workshop

December 3, 2024, 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM (CT), Virtual

Learn how to format your resumé and cover letter, ways to articulate your skills, and what items to include or not include. Your cover letter and resumé are marketing tools and the "door opener" to a job interview, so take this opportunity to learn more and sharpen your documents. For workshop details and registration please visit UM Connect.

Networking Workshop (Virtual)

November 29, 2024, 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM (CT), Virtual

Learn the benefits of networking, types of networking opportunities, how to initiative and build positive relationships and engage in various networking environments, and practice a range of approaches with other workshop participants. For workshop details and registration visit UM Connect.