Events | Updates | Tips | Community 

August 2026 | Edition 38

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 a same-day appointment, visit our website.

Thinking about your course load for Fall 2026 and Winter 2027? 

It’s very important for each study permit holder to stay in compliance with their study permit conditions. To learn more about how UM defines full-time student status, and the immigration impacts of part-time studies, review our Understanding your enrollment status page for details. Note that being on a waitlist doesn’t mean that you are registered in the course or that you will be offered a spot in the course before the end of the revision period! If you are placed on the waitlist for a course, it is recommended that you have a back-up plan with other course without a waitlist that you can add to your record to maintain your registration and/or full-time status.

Returning to Canada

Are you planning on travelling outside of Canada during the summer? If you are planning on returning to Canada for the start of classes in the Fall 2026 term, then Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has some important information that you should review for international students travelling outside of Canada and then re-entering. In addition, the IC has some more specific information on our immigration information website regarding documentation that we recommend you travel back to Canada with to prepare for your arrival at the port of entry.

Finishing your program in the Summer 2026 term

If you are completing your program requirements during the Summer 2026 term and have declared graduation for October 2026, then you may be considering applying for the post-graduation work permit (PGWP). The International Centre (IC) has detailed information about who is eligible to apply for the PGWP, what documents to include, and step-by-step instructions on how to submit an online application for a PGWP on our immigration information 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 as the steps to request an official transcript. IRCC also has important information about the PGWP eligibility and application process on their 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 August 6, 2026, the estimated processing times are as follows for online applications:

• Study permit extension: 70 days
• Post-graduation work permit: 119 days
• Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa): 21 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 

• August 10-15 - Exam period for July-August courses and May-August courses
• September 7 - Labour Day, University Closed
• September 9 - First day of classes
• September 15 - Last Day to Drop irregularly dated Fall and Fall/Winter term spanning courses on Aurora*
• September 16 - Last Day to Add irregularly dated Fall and Fall/Winter term spanning courses on Aurora*
• September 22 - Last day to DROP Fall Term and Fall/Winter Term Spanning classes Part A without financial penalty
• September 23 - Last day to ADD for Fall Term and Fall/Winter Term classes

View more dates online.

Things to do in Winnipeg

Check out these events happening in Winnipeg in August:

• Folklorama - Travel the world without a passport! Experience world-class entertainment, enjoy delicious authentic cuisine, warm hospitality, and view beautiful cultural displays during Folklorama, the largest and longest-running multicultural festival of its kind in the world.

• WAG Wednesday Nights - WAG-Qaumajuq transforms Wednesday nights into an after-hours experience, admission is free! WAG-Qaumajuq still offers free Sundays on the second Sunday of each month.

• First Fridays in the Exchange - free event, various businesses in the Exchange District from 5 - 9 PM.

• Live Racing at Assiniboia Downs - Experience the thrill of watching and wagering on horse racing at Assiniboia Downs every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:30 PM.

• Manitoba Night Market - August 23 at Assiniboia Downs.

• Winnipeg Goldeyes - Come cheer on the Winnipeg Goldeyes for a baseball game at Blue Cross Park!

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

Manitoba is the ancestral homeland of the Anishinaabeg, Anishininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Denesuline, Nehethowuk Nations, and the Red River Métis. When exploring parks and natural areas, follow Leave No Trace principles—pack out what you bring in, stay on trails, and respect cultural and sacred sites.

Community Updates

Student Wellness Centre Events 

Crafting Connections (Beginners) - August 13, 12:30 - 2:00 PM

Crafting Connection (Stitch and Dish) - August 20, 12:30 - 2:00 PM

Nature Collaging - August 26, 1:00 - 2:30 PM

Free Freezies - daily 9:00 AM-4:00 PM: come by the Student Wellness Centre for a free freezie this summer!

Free Summer Literacy Program for Graduate Student Families

August 24, 26, and 27, 2026, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Room 217 UMGPS Lounge, University of Manitoba

One of the biggest challenges faced by graduate students who are also parents during the summer is accessing affordable childcare support. To help address this need and support our graduate student community, the University of Manitoba Graduate and Postdoctoral Students' Society (UMGPS) is partnering with Children's Reading Circle to offer a free literacy and childcare support initiative for youth aged 6–17.

Please register using the Children's Reading Circle Program Registration Form: Children's Reading Circle Program Registration Form – Fill out form

We encourage interested families to register early, as spaces may be limited.

For more information, please contact 431-996-4694 or email winnipegchildrensreadingcircle@gmail.com.

Garba Night

September 26, 4:00-10:00 PM, MPR UMSU University Centre

Hosted by Hindu Yuva - Consists of performances, dancing throughout the night, as well as a short religious ceremony during an intermission halfway through the event.

Check Hindu Yuva Instagram for more information!