Events | Updates | Tips | Community 

November 2026 | Edition 41 - IEW Edition 🌎

In this issue

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

International Centre Events & Programs

Take a quick look at the events for students each day:

International Student Advisors (ISAs) are available for in-person and virtual appointments. To book a same-day appointment, visit our website.

Thinking about dropping a course in the Fall 2026 term?

The Voluntary Withdrawal (VW) deadline is on November 24^th. If you are considering dropping a course this term, it’s important that you first understand how full-time status is defined for your program. It’s also important for each study permit holder to stay in compliance with their study permit conditions. To learn more about the immigration impacts of part-time studies, please review our understanding your enrollment status page for details. For example, a study permit holder can be a part-time student and still be in compliance with their study permit conditions, but they would no longer be eligible to work on or off-campus if they drop down to part-time status this term and there would be an impact on their post-graduation work permit (PGWP) eligibility.

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 scheduled breaks

If you are considering working on and/or off-campus during the Fall 2026 and Winter 2027 terms, including the Fall Term Break (Nov. 9^th – 13^th) and the Winter Holiday Break (Dec. 24^th, 2026 – Jan. 4^th, 2027), 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 UM 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.

Meet with an International Student Advisor (ISA)

The ISAs at the International Centre all have the Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) designation, meaning that we can provide information and guidance about your immigration questions related to your international student status in Canada. Be sure to meet with an ISA if you have questions about your enrollment status and how it may impact your immigration status! The International Centre is offering same day appointments with our ISAs with appointment availability opening at 7:30 am (CST), Monday-Friday. To book a virtual/in-person appointment to meet with an ISA, please go to the International Centre's WaitWell page

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 October 30, 2026, the estimated processing times are as follows for online applications:

• Study Permit extension: 6 weeks
• Work Permit (post-graduation work permit): 11 weeks
• Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa): 12 days

You may need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) with your application. The processing times do not include additional time to submit your biometrics.

Tips and Reminders

Important Dates 

• Nov. 9-13 - Fall Term Break, University remains open
• Nov. 11 -  Remembrance Day - University closed
• Nov. 24 - Voluntary withdrawal deadline for Fall Term courses
• Dec. 11 - Last day of classes
• Dec. 12-23 - Fall Term examinations and tests
• Dec. 24- Jan. 4 - Winter holiday - University closed
• Jan. 5 - University reopens
• Jan. 7 - First day of winter term classes

View more dates online.

Things to do in Winnipeg

Check out these events happening in Winnipeg this month:

• The Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade combines the magic, wonder and excitement that heralds in the holiday season in one big event on November 14 5:00 PM.
• Winnipeg Christmas Market at the RBC Convention Centre November 26-29.
• Zoo Lights - Nov 20 - Jan 3, Millions of twinkling lights transform the Zoo into a dazzling winter wonderland.
• Canada Life Free Sundays at Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajug - free admission on the second Sunday of each month.
• First Fridays in the Exchange - free event, various businesses in the Exchange District from 5 - 9 PM.
• First Fridays - free admission at Manitoba Museum

Visit Tourism Winnipeg or Winnipeg for Free for other ideas.

Community Updates

Food and Mood

November 17, 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM 
Student Wellness Centre, 162 Extended Education building

Presented in the SWC, facilitated by fourth year community health nursing students, the SWC brings to you - food and mood! Learn about how food fuels our mood and join us for trivia while you make your own smoothie (supplies provided)!

Crafting Connections

November 19, 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Student Wellness Centre, 162 Extended Education building

Join the SWC in collaboration with SAS for an opportunity to create and connect! Whether you are new or working on your own project, there is a seat at the table for you. All supplies provided should you need!