Updates | Events | Tips | Community 

November - December, 2023 | Edition 5

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

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 website or click here. For more information on our drop-in advising schedule, please contact our front desk by email at international@umanitoba.ca or call us at 204-474-8501.

In this issue

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

Immigration updates 

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 2024 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 23, 2023 – January 2, 2024 (inclusive). The U of M will re-open at 8:30 am on January 3, 2024. 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 on Friday, December 22, 2023.

Need a new visitor visa (temporary resident visa)?

If you are planning on travelling outside of Canada during the winter holiday break and need to apply for a new visitor visa, then IRCC has important information on their website about how to apply for a new visitor visa from inside of Canada. On this page 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.

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 16, 2023, the estimated processing times are as follows for online applications:

• Study Permit extension: 139 days
• Co-op Work Permit: 136 days
• Post-Graduation Work Permit: 136 days
• Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa): 13 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 holiday break

If you are considering looking for an on or off-campus job during the 2023-2024 academic year (Fall 2023 and Winter 2024 terms), including the winter holiday break, 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.

International Centre Events & Programs

Tips and Reminders

Winter Clothing Library - Still open

The International Centre has a Winter Clothing Library at our office to provide free, donated winter clothing to new international and exchange students.

Wanting to shop?

The Winter clothing Library will be open every day from 10:00-3:00 pm. Due to available inventory and processing times the hours of operation are subject to change. Please stop by 541 UMSU University Centre, call us at 204-474-8501 or email us at international@umanitoba.ca to inquire more about clothing availability or hours of operation. 

Donations Needed

We are accepting donations right now! Come by our office- Room 541 UMSU University Centre and donate the clothes you do not want to wear anymore and help students in need.

Winnipeg Transit delays expected

Transit service delays and cancellations possible beginning Monday, Nov 27

Transit users be aware you will likely see an increase in late and cancelled buses starting Monday, November 27. Read more on the City of Winnipeg website.

This is particularly important when planning your travel for exams.

University closure dates

The University of Manitoba will be closed for winter holiday break from December 23, 2023 through January 2, 2024. All offices will reopen on January 3. You will not be able to contact any offices during the closure time.

How to get your home ready for winter

The City of Winnipeg has tips for homeowners on how to get your house winter ready.

Enjoy Fall Events in the City

Check out Tourism Winnipeg for upcoming events this holiday season. You can find cool festivals, sports, entertainment, events and more! 

• Zoo Lights - wander through a winter wonderland and enjoy stunning light displays, tasty treats, and endless joy and cheer. Running November 24 - January 7, 2024.
  
• Canad Inns Winter Wonderland from December 1- January 6, a festive seasonal drive through light display each December and January at Red River Exhibition Park.
• The Nutcracker at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet from December 21-30, 2023.
• Take a break from the cold and visit The Leaf! Journey through four distinct biomes; the Hartley and Heather Richardson Tropical Biome, Mediterranean Biome, Babs Asper Display House, and the Shirley Richardson Butterfly Garden.
• Many holiday craft markets and more!

Community Updates

Digital Babysitter Directory

Introducing the creation of a digital babysitter directory, a joint venture between UM Family Resources and the Family Centre (Rady Faculty of Health Sciences), is now available!

The UM Babysitter Directory is a digital platform developed exclusively with the University community in mind and its goal is to connect parents seeking babysitting services with fellow students seeking casual employment. The directory will consist of babysitting profiles and contain information such as relevant training, certifications, previous work experience, preferred locations, and more.

Visit the Family Resources webpage to request access to the directory.

Do you have questions or concerns about alcohol, drugs (including cannabis) or gambling?

Questions or concerns about your own use, or someone else’s? 

You are not alone – we have a counsellor who specializes in addictions on campus who can help. She is on campus every Friday and can meet one-on-one for free and confidential appointments. To make an appointment, contact Marieke directly at Marieke.veldhuis@umanitoba.ca or 204-944-6329, or the Student Counselling Centre at 204-474-8952.