Events | Updates | Tips | Community 

December 2025 | Edition 30

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.

Need a new temporary resident visa (TRV)/visitor visa? 

If you are planning on travelling outside of Canada during the winter holiday break and need to apply for a new visa, then it’s important that you plan early and submit your application as soon as possible! On the International Centre website, there is a detailed page on how to apply for a new TRV/visitor visa from inside of Canada. On IRCC’s website about how to apply for a new TRV/visitor visa from inside of Canada they recommend applying for a new visa at least 2 months before you leave Canada, and not to leave Canada until you get your visa. It is also recommended that you don’t book a plane ticket until you have received your new visa.

Returning to Canada

Are you planning on travelling outside of Canada during the winter holiday break? 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.

Finishing your program in the Fall 2025 term

If you are completing 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.

Working during the winter holiday break

If you are considering working on and/or off-campus during the Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 terms, including the winter holiday break, 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. It’s also important to 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. Also, you should be verifying UM dates, definitions, and policies in our institutional documents. For example, you should review how the UM defines full-time status for the purposes of IRCC to ensure that you understand how the UM defines full-time and part-time status at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and refer to the UM Academic Calendar for the 2025-2026 academic year to confirm the start and end dates of the winter holiday break.

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 November 26, 2025, the estimated processing times are as follows for online applications:

• Study Permit extension: 151 days
• Work Permit (co-op work permit, post-graduation work permit): 229 days
• Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa): 18 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 

• Dec. 8, 2025 - Last day of classes
• Dec. 9-19, 2025 - Fall term examinations and test
• December 24, 2025-January 2, 2026 - Winter Holiday - University closed
• Jan. 5, 2026 - Winter Welcome (Orientation)
• Jan. 6, 2026 - First day of classes
• Jan. 6, 2026 - Winter/Summer Term spanning distance and online courses first day of classes
• Jan. 16, 2026 - Deadline for UG students to declare Spring 2026 Graduation
• Jan. 19, 2026 - Last date to DROP Winter Term, Winter/Summer Spanning, and distance and online classes without financial penalty
• Jan. 19, 2026 - Last day to voluntarily withdraw from Part B of Fall/Winter term spanning courses without financial penalty
• Jan. 20, 2026 - Last date to ADD Winter Term classes and Winter/Summer term spanning distance and online classes

View more dates online.

Things to do in Winnipeg

Check out these events happening in Winnipeg in June:

• December 4-January 1 - Experience the magic of the holiday season at Zoo Lights!
• December 4-January 3 - Canad Inns Winter Wonderland is Manitoba’s largest drive-thru light show
• December 7-Free Admission to Canadian Museum for Human Rights on the First Sunday of the Month
• Visit Winter Park at the Forks - skate on 1 kilometre of trails, skate on the rink under the canopy, or slide down the toboggan run.
• Visit the listing of New Years Eve parties happening in Winnipeg

Visit Tourism Winnipeg or Winnipeg for Free for other ideas.

Environment and Climate Change Canada using a new colour-coded weather alert

Environment and Climate Change Canada will use a three-color system to convey the risk posed by weather hazards across the country. 

Yellow alerts:

• Hazardous weather may cause damage, disruption, or health impacts
• Impacts are moderate, localized and/or short-term
• Yellow alerts are the most common

Orange alerts:

• Severe weather is likely to cause significant damage, disruption, or health impacts
• Impacts are major, widespread and/or may last a few days
• Orange alerts are uncommon

Red alerts:

• Very dangerous and possibly life-threatening weather will cause extreme damage and disruption
• Impacts are extensive, widespread, and prolonged
• Red alerts are rare

For detailed information, visit ECCC website.

Dressing safely for winter weather

In Winnipeg, temperatures drop to extreme cold levels each year in the winter. Preparing for this hazard can help keep you safe. Visit Hot & cold weather safety | City of Winnipeg to learn more.

• In cold weather, limit the time you spend outside. Wear 2-3 layers on the top and bottom and ensure your outer layer is waterproof and wind resistant.
• In periods of extreme cold, avoid spending time outside. Cover all exposed skin and dress in 3 or more layers on the top and bottom, ensuring your outer layer is waterproof and wind resistant. Wear waterproof boots, a hat, and mittens or gloves.

Consult the Weather Office website for the wind chill forecast and current values where you are.

Community Updates

Introduction to Hungarian 1 (HUNG1000) course 

January 6-April 9, 2026
Winter 2026 Instructor: Fanni Rózsa Leczkési
Hybrid option available upon request Lab: M 7:00pm-7:50pm 

The courses are intended for students with little or no previous knowledge of Hungarian. Students are introduced to basic grammar and vocabulary as well as aspects of Hungarian culture. Emphasis is placed on communication skills. Students will expand their understanding of basic grammar and vocabulary, as well as aspects of Hungarian culture. January 6/26 – April 9/26 SEMINAR MR 5:30 PM - 6:45 P M For more information, email rozsalef@myumanitoba.ca