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IMPACT – MEDIUM
What is the change? The Canada Border Services Agency has said that certain port-of-entry applications made at checkpoints on the Rainbow, Queenston-Lewiston and Peace bridges in Southern Ontario will not be accepted from Friday to Monday.
What does the change mean? The change will only apply to so-called “flagpoling” cases, where a temporary resident leaves Canada briefly for the purpose of re-entering to submit an application for a work or study permit or for confirmation of permanent residence. Applications that do not involve flagpoling will continue to be accepted. Authorities will also continue to accept applications (whether they involve flagpoling or not) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays and at other border crossings or at airports.
Background: The Canada Border Services Agency has said it is piloting the flagpoling project to help ensure that resources are focused on security and trade priorities during high-volume periods. The CBSA previously indicated that changes similar to these would be put in place in May, but implementation was delayed. CBSA has now confirmed that border application procedures have been implemented at the Rainbow, Queenston-Lewiston and Peace bridges in Southern Ontario.
BAL Analysis: Travelers should take note of the change and only plan on submitting flagpole applications at checkpointsoints on the Rainbow, Queenston-Lewiston and Peace bridges on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays. Even then, applications may take longer to process if submitted at these locations, so submitting applications at inland checkpoints may be a better option.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Canada. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
Copyright © 2017 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
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