Canadian Government puts an end to the flagpoling for work and study permits. Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced on December 23 that work and study permits will no longer be issued to “flagpolers” at ports of entry.
The move will affect international students in Canada. The new regulation is aimed at enhancing border efficiency and improve fairness in immigration services.
What is Flagpoling?
Flagpoling refers to the practice where foreign nationals with temporary resident status leave Canada and re-enter through the United States to access same-day immigration services, including the renewal of study and work permits. Although this approach permitted applicants to avoid long wait times for online processing, it severely stretched the country’s border resources.
Amendments to Canadian Immigration Policy
Effective from December 23, immigration services at the border will now be limited to individuals arriving in Canada, with those already in Canada required to submit renewal applications online through the IRCC website – where processing time can take up to six months.
“Flagpoling is unnecessary and diverts resources from critical enforcement activities. This change will ease border congestion, improve fairness for applicants and enhance the efficiency and security of our borders,” said Miller.
The immigration minister has already hinted his intention to end the practice on December 17, though the official IRCC update came just four hours before the change took effect. Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) processed more than 69,300 flagpolers between April 2023 and March 2024.
The announcement comes at a time when the immigration sector of Canada is undergoing significant changes. The recent updates to IRCC policies have already affected international students and workers, creating challenges for higher education and labor markets. The timing, before Christmas, has added to concerns among affected communities.
Exemptions to the Policy
Individuals including U.S. citizens, Canadian permanent residents, free trade professionals and their spouses are exempted from the policy. People who have already made appointments with CBSA prior to the official announcement are also exempted from the policy.
