Immigration information
These guidelines will help you understand your responsibilities as an international student before you arrive, while you’re here and after you graduate.
Plan on travelling outside Canada and then re-entering? See important information below under the While you are in Canada section.
As an international student in Canada, it is your responsibility to know and understand the terms and conditions of your stay here. You are responsible for maintaining your immigration status and complying with immigration regulations while you're here.
In order to travel to and legally stay in Canada, it is essential that you familiarize yourself with immigration laws, regulations and requirements, and stay updated on any changes. Laws on immigration are always subject to change. Please refer to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website to ensure you have current information.
Are you coming to the University of Manitoba to do research but not take courses? If so, this immigration information may not apply to you. Please email the International Centre at international@umanitoba.ca for more details.
Latest updates from IRCC
- As of April, 1, 2026, you don't need a co-op work permit for student work placements, such as co-ops or internships, as a post-secondary international student. Please review IRCC's updated page to work in a student work placement for further details, including information on what happens if you have already applied for a co-op work permit.
- As per the November 6, 2025 IRCC Immigration Levels update, applicants to degree-granting graduate programs at the master’s or doctoral level at public DLIs do not require a PAL/TAL effective January 1, 2026. More information about the 2026 PAL/TAL requirements can be found here.
- As of November 8, 2024, students are allowed to work off campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. Make sure you meet the other requirements for working while you study. As well, Immigration Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has new requirements for post-secondary study permit holders who will change their Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Please visit IRCC's website for more information.
- On September 18, 2024, IRCC announced several changes for temporary residents including language proficiency requirements for the PGWP as of November 1, 2024. See the Sept 18, 2024 backgrounder and Sept 18, 2024 news release for more information. More details on the new PGWP eligibility requirements were published on Oct 4, 2024.
International Centre Updates
Graduate Student FAQ
For participants that attended the Faculty of Graduate Studies Town Hall for International Students on Friday, February 28th, we have developed a Frequently Asked Questions document with information addressing the common topics that came from participant questions.
