Events | Updates | Tips | Community 

May 2026 | Edition 35

In this issue

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

International Centre Events & Programs

Immigration updates 

International Student Advisors (ISAs) are available for in person and virtual appointments. To book an appointment or find our drop-in advising schedule, visit our website.

Finished your program in the Winter 2026 term?

If you have completed your program requirements during the Winter 2026 term, then you may be considering applying for the post-graduation work permit (PGWP). Review our website for 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. 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 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.

Student Work Placements

As of April 1, 2026, international students no longer need a co-op work permit to participate in required work placements provided they meet certain conditions. Review our website for detailed information regarding student work placements.

Working during the Summer 2026 term

Some international students may be eligible to work full-time hours during the Summer term. UM students in undergraduate (UG) programs who aren’t required to register in the Summer term and for whom Summer is an optional term may be eligible to work full-time hours in the Summer term, regardless of their course load. To be eligible, a student must have been registered in a full-time UM course load before the Summer term and must be confident that they will register in a full-time UM course load after the Summer term. Any international students for whom Summer is not an optional term (e.g. Master’s and PhD students, UG students in the College of Nursing, etc.) are only eligible to work up to 24 hours/week off-campus during the Summer term, as it’s not a break for those programs. Please refer to our full-time status document to confirm if the Summer term is optional for your program. Remember – it is always your responsibility to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria to work on or off-campus and don’t work more hours than you’re allowed to. Review our website for more information of working in Canada as an international student.

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.

Returning to Canada

Are you planning on travelling outside of Canada during summer? If you are planning on returning to Canada for the start of classes in the Fall 2026 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.

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 May 05, 2026, the estimated processing times are as follows for online applications:

• Study Permit extension: 86 days
• Work Permit (post-graduation work permit): 217 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.

Tips and Reminders

Important Dates 

• May 7, 2026 - Last day to ADD or DROP May-June and 6 credit May-August courses 
• May 14, 2026 - Last day to ADD or DROP 3 credit May-August courses 
• May 18, 2026 - Victoria Day, University closed
• May 20, 2026 - Fee payment deadline for May-June and May-August courses 
• June 2, 2026 - Last day to voluntarily withdraw from May-June courses 
• June 15, 2026 - Jun. 20, 2026 - Exam period for May-June courses 

View more dates online.

Things to do in Winnipeg

Check out these events happening in Winnipeg in June:

• Wonder Shows Family Fun Spring Fair at Assiniboia Downs from May 8-24, Wonder Shows Midway is back with our Annual Family Fun Spring Fair at Assiniboia Downs.

• Park Explorer's Club at Assiniboine Park on May 9, geared towards outdoor enthusiasts and learners of all ages, explorers will adventure through the park while learning about nature journaling. 

• MB Food Truck Battles - May 23 & 24, this event isn’t just about food; it’s a celebration of community, entertainment, and fun for all ages. 

• WAG Wednesday Nights - Starting May 6, WAG-Qaumajuq transforms Wednesday nights into an after-hours experience, admission is free!

• Pride Winnipeg Festival - May 26-June 7, celebrate the diverse community that supports LGBTTQ* (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two-spirit, and queer) people. It culminates with a Pride Day parade and rally at the Manitoba Legislative Building. 

• Manitoba Dragon Boat Festivals, May 30 & 31, whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a first-timer, this is your chance to compete, connect, and make a real difference in the lives of Manitobans impacted by cancer. 

• Doors Open Winnipeg, May 30 & 31 - Come learn about Winnipeg’s past through extraordinary architecture, cultural institutions, historic streetscapes and exclusive tours. All completely free!
  

Visit Tourism Winnipeg or Winnipeg for Free for other ideas.

Travelling in Manitoba? Know Before You Go

Manitoba sits at the longitudinal centre of Canada—a meeting point of boreal forest, prairie, taiga, and the Canadian Shield. This diversity makes for stunning landscapes but also varying conditions.  

• Check conditions before you travel: Weather can shift quickly, especially in northern and rural areas. Review local forecasts and road conditions before heading out. 

• Wildlife awareness: Bears, moose, and other wildlife are common in parks and wilderness areas. Keep a safe distance, store food securely, and never feed wild animals. 

• Emergency contacts: For any wildfire sightings, call 1-800-782-0076 (toll-free). For emergencies, dial 911 anywhere in the province. 

Tick and Insect Awareness 

• Ticks: Active from early spring through late fall, ticks can carry Lyme disease. Stick to marked trails, wear long sleeves and pants, and use insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin. After outdoor activities, do a full-body tick check—especially behind knees, under arms, and along the hairline. 

• Mosquitoes and blackflies: These buzzing locals thrive near water and forested areas. Light-coloured clothing and repellents help, and a head net can be a sanity-saver during peak summer evenings. 

Wildlife Encounters 

• Bears: Black bears are common in forested regions. Make noise while hiking, store food securely, and never approach or feed wildlife. If you encounter a bear, stay calm, back away slowly, and never run. 

• Moose and deer: Admire them from a distance—these large animals can be unpredictable, especially during mating season or when startled. 

• Birds and smaller animals: Resist the urge to feed them; human food can harm their health and disrupt natural behaviour. 

Visit the page for more information - Know Before You Go | Travel Manitoba 

Cycling

Cycling is fun, good for the environment, and great exercise. However, before you make cycling part of your daily commute to work, school or anywhere that involves traveling with traffic, you need to make sure you’re comfortable with your bike, understand the rules of the road, and you have the right gear. Cycling 101 

Use your signals - for on-hand signals and how bikes should navigate roads and traffic, see the Give cyclists room to ride page. 

 Cyclists must follow basic traffic laws  - in Manitoba, the laws that regulate cyclists are contained in The Highway Traffic Act. In summary, those laws include: 

• Do not ride on the sidewalk. 
• Obey traffic control signals and signs. 
• Ride as close to the right curb as possible. 
• Use hand signals and eye contact to communicate. 
• Do not weave between parked cars – ride in a straight line. 
• Ride single file when riding with other cyclists. 
• Don’t carry anything that is large enough to affect your ability to maintain safe control and balance of the bicycle. 
• Do not operate a bicycle when you have been drinking alcohol. 

Check out UMCycle located on campus for advice on cycling, repairs and purchasing repurposed bicycles!

Community Updates

Rady Yoga Classes

May 12, 26, and June 9 - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (CT), Brodie Atrium & Family Centre

Join our Yoga Class, a welcoming and inclusive space for all!  Whether you're a beginner or looking to deepen your practice, our class is the perfect fit. Come breathe, stretch, and unwind with us!  What to bring: Just yourself, comfortable clothes, water, and a yoga mat!  Registration is required: Register Here.

Buller Greenhouse Plant Sale

June 10, 10:00-3:00 PM, Armes Link, Buller Greenhouse 

Discover a world of green at Buller Greenhouse's exciting plant sale events! Join us on June 10, July 23, and August 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. just outside the greenhouse in the Armes Link!  Explore a wide variety of plants, from lush greens to vibrant blooms, perfect for enhancing your indoor or outdoor space. Plants are priced to go! Sale is cash only, and the greenhouse asks that you please bring your own bag(s). 

Please note that plants may contain greenhouse pests, so please monitor and be mindful when adding these beauties to your collection. 

Student Wellness Centre Events 

May 21, 12:30-2:00 PM, Crafting Connections: Join Student Accessibility Services and the Student Wellness Centre in crafting connection. Whether you are working on a personal project or looking to start something new (supplies provided), there is a seat for you at the table! Visit Student Wellness Centre at 162 Extended Education.