Events | Updates | Tips | Community 

February 2026 | Edition 32

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.

Working during the Winter 2026 term

If you are considering working on and/or off-campus during the Winter 2026 terms then it’s important that you review, understand, and follow the strict requirements that IRCC has for international students who would like work legally during their studies in Canada. Review our Working in Canada as an International Student
page for details such as what is considered as work, who can work, how many hours you can work and when you need to stop working.

Thinking of Voluntarily Withdrawing (VW) from courses?

The Voluntary Withdrawal (VW) deadline for Winter Term is March 19, 2026. If you are planning to VW, or drop, any number of courses, it’s important that you review how the UM 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. For example, if an undergraduate student drops a course on/before March 19^th, that course will not count towards their full-time status, even though they still have to pay for the course. It is recommended that you meet with your faculty Academic Advisor to discuss any academic challenges that you are facing, as dropping a course should never be the first option. It’s also very important for each study permit holder to stay in compliance with the study permit conditions listed on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

Finished your program in the Fall 2025 term?

If you have finished your program requirements during the Fall 2025 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.

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 January 28, 2026 the estimated processing times are as follows for online applications:

• Study Permit extension: 104 days
• Work Permit (co-op work permit, post-graduation work permit): 241 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 give your biometrics.   

Tips and Reminders

Important Dates 

• Feb. 4, 2026 - Graduation date for students graduating in February
• Feb. 4, 2026 - Winter Term fee payment deadline
• Feb. 16, 2026 - Feb. 20, 2026 - Winter Term Break
• Feb. 16, 2026 - Louis Riel Day, University Closed
• Mar. 19, 2026 - VW deadline for Winter Term classes
• Apr. 3, 2026 - Good Friday, University Closed
• Apr. 9, 2026 - Last day of classes for Winter term
• Apr. 11, 2026 - Apr. 25, 2026 - Winter Term examinations and tests

View more dates online.

Things to do in Winnipeg

Check out these events happening in Winnipeg in June:

• Learn to Winter invites people to embrace the season through getting active and spending time outside at The Forks. The program is full of activities for all ages and will run every weekend throughout January and February.
• First Sunday of the month, free admission to Canadian Museum for Human Rights
• Second Sunday of the month, free admission to WAG-Qaumajug
• Saturdays in February - Join guided snowshoe adventures in Assiniboine Park! A member of their Education and Programming team will guide you through one of Manitoba's iconic winter wonderlands, while educating you along the way. We will provide snowshoes, but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer. Please arrive dressed and ready to spend 90 minutes outside
• February 7 - Explore the Marsh on snowshoes with our guide and experience the wetland by moonlight followed by a bonfire. Expect to be snowshoeing for approximately 60 minutes. Snowshoes provided.
• February 9-11, We are Winter is a magical 3-day celebration of winter’s beauty and outdoor fun, offering a variety of activities for all ages; from outdoor movies to ice skating, free hot chocolate, fire pits, ski trails, and more.
• February 13-22, Festival du Voyageur - This annual event is the largest francophone event in Western Canada, welcoming more than 75,000 festival-goers per year, showcasing music, dance, sculpture and visual arts, while prioritizing francophone and indigenous artists.

Visit Tourism Winnipeg or Winnipeg for Free for other ideas.

Community Updates

Karaoke & Cardmaking at the Student Wellness Centre

February 11, 1:30-3:30, 162 Extended Education Complex

Come by the Student Wellness Centre for a Valentine's Day event! We will be hosting karaoke and card making. Make a card for anyone special in your life - a partner, friend, or a warm message to yourself, from yourself.

Digital Communication Survey for Students

Help shape the future of student communications!
UM wants to hear from YOU about how we can make digital communications better for students. Complete a short survey and tell us how you like to access information and connect online. Your feedback will inform a digital communications strategy that will make it simple to find resources, stay in the loop, and feel part of the UM community!

Survey closes February 15, 2026. It takes about 10 minutes to complete, and your responses are confidential. Plus, everyone who completes the survey will have the option to enter a draw for a $500 UM BookStore gift card and other prizes!

Go to umanitoba.ca/student-survey and share your feedback now!