Canada Ends Post-Graduation Work Permit “Flagpoling”
Canada improves fairness for applicants by ending post-graduation work permit “flagpoling”
- Policy Change: As of June 21, 2024, foreign nationals can no longer apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) at the Canada-U.S. border, a process known as “flagpoling.” This change aims to improve fairness and efficiency in the immigration system.
what is falg polling: Flagpoling occurs when temporary residents of Canada bypass the normal wait times involved in applying for a work or study permit online by leaving the country and then immediately re-entering to receive same-day immigration services.
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The Government of Canada is taking measures to encourage applicants to apply in Canada rather than flagpole. We continue to improve processing times, and are moving toward a more integrated, modernized and centralized working environment to help speed up application processing globally.
- Reasons for Change: Flagpoling has been identified as a resource-intensive practice that diverts border officers from their primary duties, causing delays for other travelers and slowing down the movement of goods.
- Encouraging In-Canada Applications: The Government of Canada is encouraging PGWP applicants to apply within Canada. Measures to improve this process include faster processing times, modernized application systems, and simplified online forms.
- Impact on Border Services: Reducing flagpoling helps border services focus on high-risk travelers and trade facilitation, ensuring a smoother and more efficient border crossing experience.
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Statements from Officials
- Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship: Emphasized that flagpoling is unnecessary and that eliminating it will allow border officers to focus on their crucial roles.
- Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety: Highlighted the undue burden flagpoling places on border services and the benefits of the new approach in maintaining border integrity.
Additional Measures
- Reduced Flagpoling Hours: At 12 ports of entry to manage peak periods effectively.
- Speeding Up Processing: For in-Canada work permit applications.
- Simplified Processes: Online application forms to ensure continuous work for applicants while waiting for decisions.
- Immediate Work Authorization: For workers changing employers, allowing them to start new jobs without waiting for work permit processing.
Read more End of work permit after Post graduation “Flagpoling” in Canada: Affidavit Lawyer in Canada
These changes aim to enhance the fairness and efficiency of Canada’s immigration system, ensuring better resource allocation and smoother border operations.
