Events | Updates | Tips | Community 

January 2026 | Edition 31

In this issue

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

International Centre Events & Programs

We were happy to greet new students at Winter Welcome on January 5! 

Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers!

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.

Thinking about your course load for the Winter 2026 term? 

It’s 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. 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. Please note that being on a waitlist doesn’t guarantee that you will be able to register for that course and being on a waitlist does not count towards your full-time student status.

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.

Finishing 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 December 31, 2025 the estimated processing times are as follows for online applications:

• Study Permit extension: 119 days
• Work Permit (co-op work permit, post-graduation work permit): 210 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.   

Tips and Reminders

Important Dates 

• 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
• Feb. 4, 2026 - Graduation date for students graduating in February
• Feb. 4, 2026 - Winter Term fee payment deadline 
• Feb. 16, 2026 - Louis Riel Day, University Closed
• Feb. 16-20, 2026 - Winter term break

View more dates online.

Things to do in Winnipeg

Check out these events happening in Winnipeg in June:

• First Sunday of the month, free admission to Canadian Museum for Human Rights
• Second Sunday of the month, free admission to WAG-Qaumajug
• 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.
• January 9-11, We Are Winter at Assiniboine Park - enjoy a variety of FREE activities for all ages, including outdoor movies (Frozen 2 and Happy Feet), live music, guided snowshoe tours, skiing and skating lessons, and much more.

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

Volunteer Opportunity

Volunteer at Winter Open House

UM is seeking friendly, outgoing current students to serve as campus tour guides at our upcoming Winter Open House on Thurs. Feb. 19 over Reading Week. Lead small groups of future students around campus and share your experiences as a student, meet new friends, and earn service hours for your Experience Record. Free breakfast and lunch are provided, plus you'll have a chance to win a $200 BookStore shopping spree! Sign up today here: Open House | Explore UM | University of Manitoba

Graduate Student Orientation

January 13

Get an introduction to Graduate Studies with helpful information provided by the Dean, Security Services, and the UMGSA and HSGSA team. A variety of workshops will also be offered throughout the day. Register for Winter Graduate Student Orientation.

Computer Science Students’ Association General Meeting + Mixer

January 23

Join the Computer Science Students’ Association (CSSA) for our Winter term General Meeting and Mixer! This is a great opportunity for international students to learn about student life in computer science, hear about upcoming events and resources, and find out how the CSSA supports students throughout the year. No prior experience or involvement is required — all students are welcome. More details here.

UM Career Fair

January 27 & 28

Are you looking to connect with employers and investigate potential opportunities? Are you looking for a summer, part-time or full-time job? Do you want to learn more about graduate and certificate programs? Open to all University of Manitoba students and alumni. Find out more here.