Canada | Flagpoling for work and study permits ending

The Canadian government announced work and study permits are no longer available to flagpolers at ports of entry.

Key Points:

• As BAL reported in July, the government previously changed their policy for post-graduation work permits at the border in an effort to reduce “flagpoling.”
• Now as part of the recently announced Canada Border Plan, officials stated that applications and renewals for work or study permits need to be submitted through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
  • As opposed to flagpoling, which occurs when foreign nationals who hold temporary resident status, leave and re-enter to access immigration services at a port of entry.

Additional Information: In the announcement, officials stated that authorities will now tell individuals attempting to flagpole for a work and study permit to submit their application to IRCC unless they meet limited exemptions. Between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, the Canada Border Services Agency processed over 69,300 flagpolers across Canada.

Canadian officials stated the intention of the policy change is more effective resource allocation, making sure services at the border are focused on individuals arriving in Canada, not for those already in Canada. Officials believe flagpoling contributes to wait times for cross-border travelers and this change will benefit both Canada and the U.S. to better manage border operations and maintain the integrity and effectiveness of their shared border.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

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