Updates | Events | Tips | Community 

October - November, 2023 | Edition 4

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 
• Tips & Reminders
• UM Community Updates

Immigration updates 

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 October 18, 2023, the estimated processing times are as follows for online applications:

• Study Permit extension: 102 days

• Co-op Work Permit: 132 days

• Post-Graduation Work Permit: 132 days

• Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa): 14 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 academic year

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

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 the winter 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.

International Centre Events

November 15

IRCC Pathways to Permanent Residency Information Session

11:00 am - 12:00 pm | Virtual/Zoom Session

The International Centre is hosting a session for international students on the subject of obtaining permanent residence in Canada, led by a representative from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Participants will receive an e-mail one week prior to the session, which will include instructions to log-in to the virtual session, as well as a link to a recording of the session which participants must watch before the session on November 15, 2023.

This information session is for current U of M students (Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses) and recently graduated students (February 2023, June 2023, and October 2023 graduates).

Registration in advance of the session is required. Please click here to register on MS Forms. Registration will close on Tuesday November 8^th at 8:30am.

November 17

Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program Information Session

11:00am – 12:00pm (CT) / Virtual – Zoom 

The International Centre is hosting a session for international students on the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), led by representatives from the Manitoba Government. 

This information session is for current U of M students (Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses) and recently graduated students (February 2023, June 2023, and October 2023 graduates).

Registration in advance of the session is required. Please click here to register on MS Forms. Registration will close on November 16^th, at 8:30am.

November 20

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Information Session – Doing your taxes and protecting yourself against fraud

1:00pm – 2:30pm (CT) / Virtual – Zoom 

Did you know, as an international student, you may benefit from filing a tax return? Did you also know that you might be eligible for benefits and credits from the Government of Canada to help support you while you live here? Learn from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) about the different ways you can file your tax return, how to apply for benefits and credits, how to recognize a scam and how to protect yourself from identity theft.

Registration in advance of the session is required. Please click on here to register on MS Forms. Registration will close on Tuesday November 28^th, 2023, at 8:30am.

Tips and Reminders

First snowfall - make sure you're prepared!

Get your winter jacket and warm clothing ready. Be sure to have good waterproof winter boots that will keep your feet warm and dry. 

Make sure to leave early – Buses will be late due to the first snowfall and traffic is often delayed due to the slippery conditions.

Check out our Preparing for Winter section on our resource page to find a listing of where to buy winter clothing and what to look for. 

Winter Clothing Library - Updates

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.

Check out our donation criteria.

Voluntary Withdrawal Deadline for Fall Courses

November 21

If you are considering withdrawing from a course this Fall, it’s important to understand the impacts of dropping a course from both an immigration and an academic perspective. Please make an appointment to see your Faculty's Academic Advisor and an International Student Advisor, well in advance of the deadline as appointment times may get filled up quickly around this busy time.

University closure dates

Plan ahead and schedule appointments in advance

The University of Manitoba will be closed on November 13, for Remembrance Day (observed).

Nahlah Ayed nomination closes soon!

Nomination Application Deadline: November 15, 2023.

The Nahlah Ayed Prize for Student Leadership and Global Citizenship is named for Nahlah Ayed, award-winning CBC foreign correspondent, UM alumna and honorary degree recipient.

To learn more about the Prize and to nominate a student, visit the International Centre website or email ic.awards@umanitoba.ca. 

IC Exchange Program Advising

If you are interested in studying abroad in the next academic year (2024-2025) through IC student exchange program, please visit student exchange program website for more information and to schedule a meeting with Naomi Fujiwara, Student Mobility Coordinator. 

Enjoy Fall Events in the City

Check out Tourism Winnipeg for upcoming events for the Fall. You can find cool festivals, sports, entertainment, events and more! 

• Boo at the Zoo where you can find a family-friendly spooky event rides, games, and treats
  
• Witchy Wonderland October 20-31, rides and entertainment there will be something for everyone from the littlest ghosts and goblins to the most experienced Halloween wizards and sorcerers.
• Inspirations Craft Market November 11-12 at Assiniboia Downs
• First Fridays in the Exchange November 3 & December 1. On the 1st Friday of each month, Galleries, Artist-Run Centre's, Studios, Shops + Museums stay open late at this free event in Winnipeg's Exchange District

Community Updates

Career Services Workshops

Check out the series of upcoming workshops Career Services is hosting in November:

• Marketing Your Foreign Credentials (virtual) - Nov 7, 2023, 02:30 PM to 03:30 PM 

• Canadian Workplace Culture (virtual) - Nov 20, 2023, 01:30 PM to 02:30 PM

• Occupational Safety and Health Workshop (virtual) - Nov 7, 2023, 01:00 PM to 02:00 PM

• Employment Standards Info Session (virtual) - Nov 29, 2023, 02:30 PM to 03:30 PM