Newsworthy Ways to Make Border Crossings Smoother and Faster
As we dive into the complexities of border crossings, it’s become clear that maintaining a safe and swift flow of goods and people between Canada and the United States is crucial for our shared prosperity. With a focus on preserving strong person-to-person connections while ensuring the integrity of our immigration system, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, has unveiled a new policy to tackle a growing concern: flagpoling.
Say goodbye to applying for post-graduation work permits (PGWP) at the border. Foreign nationals, effective immediately, must now follow the normal channels to obtain a PGWP, aiming to curb the practice of flagpoling. This sneaky maneuver involves temporarily leaving Canada to re-enter the same day for expedited immigration services, diverting crucial resources and causing unnecessary delays for both travelers and goods in transit.
A staggering one-fifth of foreign nationals attempting flagpoling from March 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024, were PGWP applicants. But fear not, as the Canadian government is actively encouraging individuals to apply within the country to streamline the process, enhance fairness, and reduce the burden on border officers. The ultimate goal is to foster smoother, more efficient border management between the two nations.
Minister Miller stressed, “We value the contributions of international graduates to Canada’s labor market, but flagpoling is an avoidable disruption. Let’s empower our officers to focus on their vital roles in safeguarding our citizens while maintaining the integrity of our immigration system.”
Minister Dominic LeBlanc of Public Safety echoed this sentiment, underscoring the need to combat flagpoling without compromising border security. The recent reduction of flagpoling hours at 12 Canadian entry ports is one of the proactive steps taken to ensure optimal processing efficiency and prioritize critical tasks such as screening high-risk travelers and supporting trade activities.
It’s clear that the Canadian government remains committed to enhancing border operations while fostering a seamless and secure environment for all stakeholders. By reducing flagpoling practices and encouraging proper application procedures, we aim to fortify the ties between nations and promote mutual prosperity in the region.
As we dive into the complexities of border crossings, it’s become clear that maintaining a safe and swift flow of goods and people between Canada and the United States is crucial for our shared prosperity. With a focus on preserving strong person-to-person connections while ensuring the integrity of our immigration system, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, has unveiled a new policy to tackle a growing concern: flagpoling.
Say goodbye to applying for post-graduation work permits (PGWP) at the border. Foreign nationals, effective immediately, must now follow the normal channels to obtain a PGWP, aiming to curb the practice of flagpoling. This sneaky maneuver involves temporarily leaving Canada to re-enter the same day for expedited immigration services, diverting crucial resources and causing unnecessary delays for both travelers and goods in transit.
A staggering one-fifth of foreign nationals attempting flagpoling from March 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024, were PGWP applicants. But fear not, as the Canadian government is actively encouraging individuals to apply within the country to streamline the process, enhance fairness, and reduce the burden on border officers. The ultimate goal is to foster smoother, more efficient border management between the two nations.
Minister Miller stressed, “We value the contributions of international graduates to Canada’s labor market, but flagpoling is an avoidable disruption. Let’s empower our officers to focus on their vital roles in safeguarding our citizens while maintaining the integrity of our immigration system.”
Minister Dominic LeBlanc of Public Safety echoed this sentiment, underscoring the need to combat flagpoling without compromising border security. The recent reduction of flagpoling hours at 12 Canadian entry ports is one of the proactive steps taken to ensure optimal processing efficiency and prioritize critical tasks such as screening high-risk travelers and supporting trade activities.
It’s clear that the Canadian government remains committed to enhancing border operations while fostering a seamless and secure environment for all stakeholders. By reducing flagpoling practices and encouraging proper application procedures, we aim to fortify the ties between nations and promote mutual prosperity in the region.
