As part of Canada’s Border Plan, the Government of Canada has announced a significant policy change. Effective December 23 at 11:59 pm ET, work and study permits will no longer be issued to individuals engaging in flagpoling at a port of entry.
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What Is Flagpoling?
Flagpoling refers to the practice where foreign nationals with temporary resident status in Canada leave the country—typically visiting the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon—and then re-enter Canada to access immigration services at a port of entry. This approach has been commonly used to expedite the process of obtaining or renewing work and study permits.
Why Is the Policy Changing?
Immigration services at the border are intended for individuals who are arriving in Canada for the first time. The Government of Canada has clarified that these services are not meant for individuals who are already residing in the country. Moving forward, applications and renewals for work and study permits must be submitted through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
What Are the Implications of This Change?
Temporary residents who attempt to flagpole for a work or study permit will now be instructed to submit their applications to IRCC. The only exceptions to this rule will be for individuals who meet limited and specific exemptions. By requiring all applications to go through IRCC, the government aims to streamline immigration processes and prioritize the use of border services for their intended purpose.
How to Apply for Work or Study Permits
Temporary residents must now submit their applications online or through other channels designated by IRCC. While online applications may involve waiting periods, they ensure a more structured and consistent approach to processing immigration requests.
Why This Change Matters
Many temporary residents in Canada have used flagpoling to bypass online wait times, securing same-day services at the border. However, the new policy underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that border resources are allocated appropriately. It also emphasizes the importance of adhering to established immigration procedures for applications and renewals.
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What Should Temporary Residents Do Next?
If you are a temporary resident planning to apply for or renew a work or study permit:
- Prepare Your Documents: Ensure you have all required documentation ready for your IRCC application.
- Submit Online: Follow IRCC’s guidelines for online submissions to avoid delays.
- Plan Ahead: Factor in processing times when planning your application to ensure your permit does not expire.
- Stay Informed: Monitor updates from IRCC for any changes to the application process or exemptions to the flagpoling rule.
By adapting to these changes, temporary residents can ensure compliance with Canada’s immigration policies while avoiding unnecessary delays or complications.
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