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 January 22, 2025, Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) requirement updates for students admitted into a graduate degree program.
- Work and study permits will no longer be provided to foreign nationals who flagpole at a port of entry, effective December 23, 2024 at 11:59 pm ET. Details 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.
- As of March 19, 2024, only spouses of students in master’s degree, doctoral degree or professional degree programs are eligible for a spousal open work permit while pursing studies. For upcoming changes of the spousal open work permit of international students, review the Sept 18, 2024, news release for more information.
- As of Feb 15, 2024, graduates of master's degree programs which are 8 months or longer can apply for a 3-year PGWP if eligible for the PGWP. Graduate certificates and diplomas are not master's degrees and thus do not qualify.
