Headline: Canada Tightens Border Policies to Combat “Flagpoling” Practice
In an effort to streamline border processes and maintain the integrity of Canada’s immigration system, the Government has put new regulations in place to address the issue of “flagpoling.” This change comes as part of ongoing efforts to ensure a safe and efficient flow of goods and people across the Canada–United States border.
The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced that foreign nationals are no longer able to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border. This move aims to reduce the practice of flagpoling, where temporary residents bypass traditional application processes by exiting and re-entering the country to expedite immigration services.
Flagpoling has been a significant issue, causing delays for travelers and tying up border resources that could be better utilized in enforcement activities and trade facilitation. From recent data, it was found that PGWP applicants made up a significant portion of those attempting to flagpole.
The Government of Canada is actively encouraging applicants to apply within the country rather than resort to flagpoling. The focus is on improving processing times, creating a more modernized working environment, and reducing unnecessary burden on border services officers.
Minister Miller emphasized, “While we continue to welcome international graduates, ‘flagpoling’ is disruptive and unnecessary. Our goal is to maintain a smooth and efficient border with the US, benefiting both nations.”
These changes have also been supported by the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, who highlighted the need to combat the issue while upholding the border’s shared integrity.
In alignment with these adjustments, flagpoling hours have already been reduced at various ports of entry to ensure officers can prioritize essential tasks and high-risk activities.
The Government’s focus remains on creating a fair and efficient border process, one that supports the close ties between Canadians and Americans while safeguarding the safety and prosperity of both nations.
In an effort to streamline border processes and maintain the integrity of Canada’s immigration system, the Government has put new regulations in place to address the issue of “flagpoling.” This change comes as part of ongoing efforts to ensure a safe and efficient flow of goods and people across the Canada–United States border.
The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced that foreign nationals are no longer able to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border. This move aims to reduce the practice of flagpoling, where temporary residents bypass traditional application processes by exiting and re-entering the country to expedite immigration services.
Flagpoling has been a significant issue, causing delays for travelers and tying up border resources that could be better utilized in enforcement activities and trade facilitation. From recent data, it was found that PGWP applicants made up a significant portion of those attempting to flagpole.
The Government of Canada is actively encouraging applicants to apply within the country rather than resort to flagpoling. The focus is on improving processing times, creating a more modernized working environment, and reducing unnecessary burden on border services officers.
Minister Miller emphasized, “While we continue to welcome international graduates, ‘flagpoling’ is disruptive and unnecessary. Our goal is to maintain a smooth and efficient border with the US, benefiting both nations.”
These changes have also been supported by the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, who highlighted the need to combat the issue while upholding the border’s shared integrity.
In alignment with these adjustments, flagpoling hours have already been reduced at various ports of entry to ensure officers can prioritize essential tasks and high-risk activities.
The Government’s focus remains on creating a fair and efficient border process, one that supports the close ties between Canadians and Americans while safeguarding the safety and prosperity of both nations.
