Events | Updates | Tips | Community 

March-April 2025 | Edition 21

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

Survey on Food Accessibility for International Graduate Students

Graduate international students needed!
Participation in a survey developed for Graduate and International Students at the University of Manitoba. The purpose of the survey is to develop a modern perspective on student perspectives and experiences on food accessibility that could aid in developing re-sources for students that may experience food accessibility issues. This survey will be done on-line using Survey Monkey and will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Please consider participating! You can find further information here: Examining Food Security for Graduate and International Students at the University of Manitoba Survey

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.

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.

Finishing your program in the Winter 2025 term

If you are completing your program requirements during the Winter 2025 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.

Pathways to Permanent Residency Virtual Learning Sessions

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 videos before they register. For more information about these sessions, and the link to register, please visit IRCC’s website.

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 5, 2025, the estimated processing times are as follows for online applications:

• Study Permit extension: 112 days
• Work Permit (co-op work permit, post-graduation work permit): 114 days
• Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa): 18 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

Final Exam Schedule

This year’s winter final exam period is from Apr. 11, 2025 – Apr. 25, 2025. Log in to your Aurora account February 18 to view the dates and times for your exams, or visit the Final exam schedule page. Exams run Monday to Sunday with three time slots: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Important Dates 

• March 24-27, 2025 - Initial Registration Time (Spring classes)
• Mar. 28, 2025 - Registration closes at 12:00am and reopens at 1:00pm (Spring classes)
• April 9, 2025 - Last day of classes for Winter term
• April 11- 25, 2025 - Winter Term examinations and tests
• June 9, 2025 - Final grade appeal deadline for Winter 2025 Term grades

View more dates online.

Things to do in Winnipeg

• The Fishing Festival at FortWhyte Alive returns on March 22, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM at 1961 McCreary Rd, Winnipeg, MB. This family-friendly ice fishing event offers free admission, provided gear, expert guidance, and live seminars. No fishing license is required, and attendees can enjoy catch-and-release fishing, prize draws, and ASL accessibility.
• Enjoy Free Admission to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights every Sunday at 85 Israel Asper Way, Winnipeg. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits and inspiring human rights stories without charge from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Take a break from the cold to visit the Leaf's orchid exhibit, Blooms in Winter: An Orchid Celebration that runs until March 23, 2025.

Visit Tourism Winnipeg for other ideas and Winnipeg for free for other free events.

Community Updates

Interview Preparation Workshop

March 21, 2025 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM (CT)
474 UMSU University Centre

Unsure about how to prepare for an interview? Need to practice?

Attend this interactive workshop to learn how to anticipate interview questions, response strategies for common questions and types of questions, and interview etiquette and follow-up approaches. Plus, practice your interview skills with other job seekers.

For workshop details and registration visit UM Connect.