Updates | Events | Tips | Community 

July-August 2024 | Edition 13

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 Waitwell booking site. For more information on our drop-in advising schedule, please check our website.

In this issue

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

Immigration updates 

Finishing your program in the Summer 2024 term

If you are completing your program requirements during the Summer 2024 term and have declared graduation for October 2024, then you may be considering applying for the post-graduation work permit (PGWP). The International Centre 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 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. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) also has important information about the PGWP eligibility and application process on their website.

Working during the Summer 2024 term

IRCC has announced that the temporary public policies that allowed some international students to work more than 20 hours/week off-campus was not extended past April 30, 2024. However, some international students may be eligible to work full-time hours during the Summer term. International students in undergraduate 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 (example: Masters and PhD students, undergraduate students in the Faculty of Nursing, etc.) are only eligible to work up to 20 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 required or optional for your program of study. 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.

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 2024 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 July 09, 2024, the estimated processing times are as follows for online applications:

• Study Permit extension: 55 days
• Work Permit (co-op work permit, post-graduation work permit): 97 days
• Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa): 23 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 

• July 25, 2024 - Deadline for Undergraduate students to apply online to graduate for Fall 2024 Convocation
  
• July 30, 2024 - Voluntary Withdrawal Deadline for July-August courses
• Jul 18, 2024 - Aug 6, 2024 - Registration for returning UM students 
• August 5, 2024 - Terry Fox Day (Civic Holiday)

View more dates online.

Things to do in Winnipeg

• There are so many fun things to do in a Manitoba summer: perfect beach days, camping, and heading out on the water for a canoeing adventure. Check the link for activity ideas including visiting beaches, paddling and golf.  
• Winnipeg 150 Maker Market at the Forks, July 27Visit for more information.
• Folklorama, August 4-17: 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. 

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.

Community Updates

Beat in the Heat: UM Drum Circle

Wednesdays until August 21

Come connect with fellow students and UM community members to experience the joy of drumming together. Focus is on expression, connection, and fun. All skill levels welcome including beginners. Instruments will be provided. Please RSVP ahead to ensure you get a drum. Learn more.

Meditation Retreat

July 26, 2024, 9-10 am, Joe Doup Recreation Centre, Bannatyne Campus

Meditation retreats offer an opportunity for all Bannatyne campus members to experience the grounding and calming effects of mindfulness meditation, facilitated by an experienced Buddhist teacher, Sensei Tanis Moore. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned meditation practitioner, you are sure to experience its benefits.

For more information and to register please email pandeyd1@myumanitoba.ca

Lockhart Planetarium Open House

July 31, 7-8 pm, Lockhart Planetarium, 394 University College

Join us to view the night sky under the dome of the planetarium.

Experts will share the exciting research they are doing in the department of physics and astronomy. This month's speaker is undergraduate student, Andrew Rogers. Andrew Rogers has nearly two years of experience giving presentations in the planetarium and is passionate about communicating big science ideas in ways that are approachable and inviting. This is a free event open to all, but registering in advance is strongly recommended. Please use this link to register.