New Canada border rule: Flagpoling for work and study permits no longer allowed
Temporary residents now must apply directly to IRCC for extensions
In a move to streamline immigration processes, Canada has officially ended the practice of flagpoling for work and study permits at its borders.
The ban, which took effect at 11:59 pm on December 23, 2024, prohibits temporary residents, including workers and students, from receiving same-day immigration services by leaving Canada and re-entering immediately.
What is Flagpoling?
Flagpoling refers to the practice where foreign nationals holding temporary resident status in Canada would briefly leave the country, usually for the US, and re-enter to access immigration services at a port of entry. This bypassed the usual wait times for online permit applications, allowing individuals to process their work or study permit renewals on the same day.
Reasons for the ban
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) have cited the burden that flagpoling placed on border resources as the primary reason for the ban. The process took up significant time and diverted Canadian and American border officers from essential enforcement duties.
Between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, the CBSA processed over 69,300 flagpolers, with the majority of these cases concentrated in the Pacific, Southern Ontario, and Quebec regions.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller stressed that this change would not only improve efficiency but also enhance border security and fairness for applicants. "A strong Canada-U.S. relationship keeps people and goods moving safely while protecting both sides of the border," Miller explained. "This change will ease border congestion, improve fairness for applicants, and enhance the efficiency and security of our borders."
Limited exemptions
While flagpoling for work and study permits is no longer allowed, there are exceptions. Certain individuals can still receive services at the border, including US citizens, lawful permanent residents of the US, and professionals and technicians under specific free trade agreements (FTAs) with the US, Mexico, South Korea, and other countries.
International truck drivers holding work permits for employment-related travel, as well as those with pre-scheduled appointments with the CBSA, are also exempt.
Impact on immigration services
The government’s decision to restrict flagpoling aims to enhance the overall management of Canada's border operations. By eliminating this practice, Canada hopes to reduce congestion and improve efficiency for both temporary residents and border personnel.
Temporary residents seeking to extend their stay in Canada must now submit their applications online to the IRCC, following standard procedures. Those who attempt flagpoling will be redirected to the appropriate channels unless they meet the criteria for an exemption.
The flagpoling ban is just one element of Canada's larger border response plan, which also includes efforts to tackle immigration fraud and streamline processes in the express entry system. The Canadian government has also allocated funds to improve border security, including enhancing aerial surveillance and drug detection capabilities.