No More Flagpoling for PGWP Applicants: New IRCC Measures | Canada Immigration Updates

Immigration Minister Marc Miller stated that this measure aims to reduce "flagpoling" and allow border officers to focus more on "enforcement activities." It is also expected to decrease delays for travelers and expedite the movement of commercial goods between Canada and the United States. Additionally, IRCC believes the change will increase "fairness amongst applicants" and is exploring other ways to minimize flagpoling in the future.

“While we continue to support and recognize the contributions of international graduates to Canada’s labour market, ‘flagpoling’ is unnecessary,” says Minister Miller.

“The time and effort required to process applications from ‘flagpolers’ takes officers on both sides of the border away from their crucial role in protecting the safety, security, and prosperity of Canadians and Americans. This measure will help prevent this practice while maintaining the integrity of our immigration system.”

Flagpoling is a legal practice where eligible temporary residents (those on a work/study permit or with a visitor visa/electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)) receive immigration services by exiting and re-entering Canada through a designated POE within 24 hours.

This process allows applicants to avoid lengthy processing times that often come with applying online or by paper to IRCC and offers the opportunity to speak with an immigration official face-to-face.

Some applicants use flagpoling to expedite the processing time for their PGWP. To address these concerns, IRCC is taking the following steps:

• Speeding up processing times for in-Canada work permit applications.
• Simplifying online application forms and processes, so foreign nationals can continue working while awaiting a decision on their new application.
• Authorizing workers to start working for a new employer immediately, rather than waiting for their new work permit application to be processed before changing jobs.

According to IRCC, PGWP applicants accounted for one-fifth of the foreign nationals who attempted to flagpole from March 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024.

The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) advises newcomers to use flagpoling services carefully, as wait times at POEs can be long, with potential immigration implications if temporary residents mismanage their departure and re-entry into Canada.

Among other eligibility criteria, newcomers engaging in flagpoling are strongly encouraged to maintain valid legal status or have maintained status in Canada when leaving and re-entering. Out-of-status newcomers who attempt to use flagpoling services risk deportation.

Recently, the Canadian and United States governments announced changes to flagpoling services in response to growing wait times and traffic at key POEs. As a result, flagpoling services at 12 Canadian POEs will have reduced hours of service.

For more details on the recent changes and how they might affect your application process, stay tuned for updates.