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Events | Updates | Tips | Community
September 2025 | Edition 27
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In this issue
- International Centre Events & Programs
- Immigration Updates
- Tips & Reminders
- UM Community Events
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Come hang out at the Tony TK Lau Global Lounge
Come study, relax, and hang out at the Tony TK Lau Global Lounge inside the International Centre office. Enjoy a coffee on the patio while the weather is nice and learn about our programs and fun events we have going on this Fall!
Free coffee, tea and hot chocolate, courtesy of UMSU!
Open Monday to Friday 8:30-4:30 pm
541 UMSU University Centre
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International Centre Events & Programs
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Get Your SIN on Campus
Friday, September 5, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM, 224 UMSU University Centre
Service Canada will be coming to the U of M’s Fort Garry campus to issue Social Insurance Numbers (SIN) to qualifying U of M international students. Students must bring original documents. Click for full details.
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Land and Water Walk & Talk
Friday, September 5 | 2:45-4:00 PM
Migizii Agamik Building
Open to all students! This is an outdoor walking tour, please wear appropriate footwear, and dress for the weather. Meet outside Migizii Agamik (Bald Eagle Lodge). Please come 5 minutes before your tour time. Sign up here.
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Healthy Grocery Shopping Workshop & Store Tour
Monday, September 8 | 4:00-6:00 PM, 541 UMSU University Centre
Learn how to select healthy food without exceeding your budget! We will start with a 30 minute presentation at the International Centre office, then go together on the bus to Bison Drive Superstore to learn how to navigate a large grocery store. Practical skills will be learned such as choosing healthy foods, how to shop within your budget, and how to read food labels. Session will be interactive and fun! Register here.
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Welcome Mentors available at Bannatyne
Apply now
Welcome Mentors are available at Bannatyne Campus! If you are a new student studying at Bannatyne, contact Crystal.Stewart@umanitoba.ca to be matched with a Mentor for the Fall term. Learn more about the program, here.
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Working in Canada as an international student
Tuesday, September 9 | 3:00-4:00 PM
Virtual – Zoom
Learn about the conditions that you must follow as a study permit holder in Canada; the requirements to work on and off-campus during your studies; and general information about the eligibility requirements for the post-graduation work permit (PGWP). Registration in advance of the session is required. Please register here.
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Language Exchange Program
Apply by September 14
The Language Exchange program connects people who speak different languages but share similar interests. The partners then meet each week to practice each other’s languages and learn about each other’s cultures in a friendly, relaxed environment. Learn more here.
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Childcare in Manitoba 101
Monday, September 15 | 7:00-8:00 PM, Virtual – Zoom
For students with children: Learn from the Family Resource Coordinator (Fort Garry Campus) and Family Centre Coordinator (Bannatyne Campus) about resources for parents, learning the basics of finding childcare, the process and supports. Please register here.
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Intercultural Leaders
Apply by September 21
Available to all UM students, the Intercultural Leaders program enhances students’ public speaking, leadership, cultural awareness and communication skills during eight interactive group sessions and workshops. Learn more here.
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Co-op work Permit Info Session
Thursday, September 25 | 3:00-4:00 PM, Virtual – Zoom
Learn about Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Co-Op Work Permit eligibility requirements and program criteria. Topics will include how to submit an application to (IRCC) and required documents.
Registration in advance of the session is required. Please register here.
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Tony T.K. Lau Scholarship for Volunteer Service to International Students
Have you volunteered to support international students adjust to life in Winnipeg and at UM? Apply for the 2025 Tony T.K. Lau Scholarship for Volunteer Service to International Students! Multiple scholarships may be awarded.
Open to undergraduate and graduate UM students, domestic and international. Find out more on IC’s Funding and Awards
page. Applications close October 21.
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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.
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Thinking about your course load for Fall 2025 & Winter 2026?
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. Important note: 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, and it also doesn’t count towards your full-time status! If you are placed on the waitlist for a course, it is recommended that you have a back-up plan with other course(s) that don’t have a waitlist that you can add to your record before the course add date (September 17 for the Fall 2025 term) to maintain your registration and/or full-time status.
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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 2025 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.
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Working during the academic year
If you are considering looking for an on or off-campus job during the 2025-2026 academic year, ensure that you review, understand, and follow the strict requirements that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (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.
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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 September 2, 2025, the estimated processing times are as follows for online applications:
- Study Permit extension: 173 days
- Work Permit (co-op work permit, post-graduation work permit): 187 days
- Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa): 15 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.
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Important Dates
- Sep. 16, 2025 - Last day to DROP Fall Term and Fall/Winter Term Spanning classes Part A without financial penalty
- Sep. 17, 2025 - Last day to ADD for Fall Term and Fall/Winter Term classes
- Sept. 30, 2025 - Every Child Matters - Orange Shirt Day: University closed
- Oct 13, 2025 - Thanksgiving Day: University Closed
- Oct. 1, 2025 - Tuition fee payment deadline
- Oct. 21, 2025 - Oct. 23, 2025 - Fort Garry Campus Convocation Ceremonies
- Nov. 6, 2025 - Bannatyne Campus Convocation Ceremony
- Nov. 10, 2025 - Nov. 14, 2025 - Fall Term Break
- Nov. 18, 2025 - Voluntary withdrawal deadline for Fall Term courses
View more dates online.
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Things to do in Winnipeg
Check out these events happening in Winnipeg in June:
- September 3 - November 2 - Get lost in the Corn Maze at A Maze in Corn.
- September 6 & 7 - Winnipeg Lantern Festival - Lanterns will light the night, music will fill the air — and magic awaits downtown! Join us for Winnipeg’s first-ever Lantern Festival, a celebration of light, culture, and community in the heart of downtown.
- September 7 - Bison Bus tour at Fort Whyte Alive - see North America’s largest land mammal from just metres away, interacting in their natural habitat.
- September 12 - Brew at the Zoo -Brew at the Zoo is an after-hours, adults-only event showcasing Manitoba’s craft brewers!
- Until September 16 - Sunflower Expo at a Maze in Corn. Explore 8 acres of various sunflower varieties with beautiful photo opportunities along the way!
- Until October 8 - 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 p.m.
Visit Tourism Winnipeg or Winnipeg for Free for other ideas.
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St John's College Jumpstart
September 5, 4:00 - 6:00pm, St John's College Quad
Start your academic year on a high note with St John's College! Enjoy burgers, cotton candy, popcorn, and a whole host of outdoor games (Jumbo Jenga, Jumbo Connect 4, Ring Toss, Bean Bag Toss, Ladder Ball & Basketball Arcade). Meet new and old faces and celebrate our amazing community together. Not a member yet? You can become a St John’s College member at any time before the event. Simply show your membership confirmation email at the check-in to be able to join in on the fun. Learn more here.
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Canada-Philippines Partnership in a Changing World
September 9, 3:45 pm, Senate Chamber (E3-262)
The Trump tariffs and rapidly shifting global security dynamics make Canada’s partnerships in Asia more vital than ever. The Philippines is one of Canada’s most valued partners in the region, and one with which we are strengthening our economic and security ties. Please join acclaimed policy adviser Richard Heydarian in person to learn more about what countries like the Philippines mean to Canada’s – and Manitoba’s – future.
Richard has delivered lectures at Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, and Beijing universities. He is a columnist at the Philippine Daily Inquirer, TV Host at OneNews/TV5 network, and has written for The New York Times, Washington Post, The Guardian, Foreign Affairs, and is a regular contributor to Aljazeera English, Nikkei Asian Review, South China Morning Post, and the Straits Times.
The event is free to attend, but please register here.
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Resume & Cover Letter Workshop
September 10, 2:30-4:30 PM, Online
Learn how to format your resumé and cover letter, ways to articulate your skills, and what items to include or not include. Your cover letter and resumé are marketing tools and the "door opener" to a job interview, so take this opportunity to learn more and sharpen your documents. For workshop details and registration please visit UM Connect.
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Remembering Residential Schools - Origami Shirt Making
From September 10-29, 2025
Foyer, Migizii Agamik
September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a time to honour survivors, remember the children who never returned home, and reflect on the history and lasting impact of residential schools. This September, led by Kookum Karen, Grandmother-in-residence, students, staff and faculty are invited to reflect and remember by creating a small orange origami shirt. Learn more.
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Buller Greenhouse Plant Sale
September 10, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Outside the greenhouse in the Armes Link
Explore a wide variety of plants, from lush greens to vibrant blooms, perfect for enhancing your indoor or outdoor space. Plants are priced to go! Sale is cash only, and the greenhouse asks that you please bring your own bag(s).
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Part-time Academic English Courses
Register by September 16
Course runs Sept 23 - Dec 4.
The English Language Centre offers Part-Time Academic English Courses (PTAEC) to undergraduate and graduate students whose first language is not English. These are non-credit language courses which support students wanting to develop and strengthen academic English language skills. Five reasons to enroll in Part-Time Academic English Courses!
- Class size: 10-15 students per class = more interaction with instructor and classmates
- Convenient: Delivered in-person and remotely
- Interactive: Courses are live and facilitated by experienced English language experts
- Affordable: $150 per 30-hour course (3-hour class weekly for 10 weeks) = $5 an hour
- Fun: Meet other students and practice your English in a supportive environment!
Enroll now to guarantee your spot in the course(s) you want. Registration is limited. For more information, course descriptions and course schedule, visit: umanitoba.ca/elc/parttime
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Queers on the Quad
September 12, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
In the quad, UM Fort Garry Campus
Join us for Queers on the Quad 2025 at the University of Manitoba, a free community celebration of diversity, inclusion, and local culture. With food trucks, a vendor market, and live performances, we’re proud to host the event in September to align with Mental Health and Suicide Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of community connection and support. Lear more here.
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Bisons Block Party
September 20, 12:00 - 5:00 PM
Princess Auto Stadium
Join us on the University of Manitoba campus at Princess Auto Stadium for the first-ever Bisons Block Party. This free, all-ages event is open to everyone and includes free parking, live entertainment, the Bisons Homecoming Football game, Billy the Bison’s Bday Party, a kid’s zone, an alumni lounge, prize giveaways, a merch pop-up and much more. Learn more here.
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University of Manitoba
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To unsubscribe from the International Student Newsletter, please email Crystal Stewart, International Transitions Coordinator. International students cannot unsubscribe.
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