Updates | Events | Tips | Community 

March - April 2024 | Edition 9

The International Centre Student Newsletter is delivered in the third 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 

Extending your study permit

Is your study permit expiring in the near future? If so, it’s important that you review information that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has on their website about when and how to apply to extend your study permit. There is also helpful information in their instruction guide for the study permit extension online application process. If you need to request documents about your enrolment status and academic history, then the Registrar’s Office has clear steps on their website on how to request official documentation from their office.

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 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.

Finishing your program in the Winter 2024 term

If you are completing your program requirements during the Winter 2024 term and have declared graduation for May/June, then you may be considering applying for the post-graduation work permit (PGWP). IRCC has some important information on their website about who can apply, and how to apply, for this work permit. 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.

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

• Study Permit extension: 77 days
• Work Permit (Co-op Work Permit, Post-Graduation Work Permit): 97 days
• Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa): 11 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.

International Centre Events & Programs

Tips and Reminders

Important Dates

• March 25 – Summer Term Confirm your initial registration time in Aurora
• April 1-4 - Summer Term Initial Registration Period
  
• Apr. 10, 2024 - Last day of Winter 2024 Classes
• Apr. 12, 2024 - Apr. 26, 2024 – Final Examination and test dates

Mental Health Supports for International Students

There are many supports available for international students, free of charge in a variety of options.

Student Counselling and Wellness at the University of Manitoba is available to provide support and services to all University of Manitoba students, including international students. All of our services are free and international students can choose from a variety of options to receive help.

Our Health and Wellness services include the recently opened Student Wellness Centre at 162 Extended Education where you can drop by to rest, recharge or connect with other students. The Student Wellness Centre hosts our peer support program called Healthy U – a team of friendly student volunteers who are available to talk with about a variety of health topics.

Things to do in Winnipeg

• Cheer on the Winnipeg Jets, various dates. Check website for tickets and more information
• Art in Bloom at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, April 19-20. Check website for more information
  
• Spring Break at the Manitoba Museum, March 23-31. Fun for the whole family! Check website for more information
• Snow Maze, March 21-30 at the Guinness Book of World Record's Largest Snow Maze! Check website for more information and weather updates. 

Community Updates

Participate in the Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey 

The Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey (CCWS), a health and wellbeing assessment tool for Canadian campuses, is organized and administered by the University of British Columbia. The CCWS assesses the mental health and wellbeing of postsecondary students and helps to identify priorities for intervention at an institutional level.

Survey open until March 25, 2024. Access the survey with the unique link that was sent to your student email account.

Discover Mentoring! An Effective Strategy for Exploring Options and Building Networks

April 1, 2024, 1:30 - 3:00 PM, Online Session / Zoom

Attend this interactive workshop to: 

• Explore the value of mentorship as an important career planning too. 
• Learn about on-campus and off-campus mentorship programs including the newly launched UM Cafe. 
• Develop skills and techniques for maximizing the mentor-mentee relationship. 
• Help you feel more confident and be more prepared for mentoring and networking opportunities. 

For event details and registration please visit UM Connect (under Events, Info sessions and workshops, find Discover Mentoring! on the calendar for April 1.