Title: Canadian Government Cracks Down on Border ‘Flagpoling’ Practice
June 21, 2024— Ottawa— In a bid to streamline border operations, the Canadian government has announced a measure aimed at curbing a practice known as ‘flagpoling,’ which has been causing delays and inefficiencies at key border crossings between Canada and the United States.
The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, revealed that foreign nationals seeking post-graduation work permits (PGWP) can no longer apply for them at the border with immediate effect. This move is designed to combat flagpoling, a process where temporary residents leave and re-enter Canada on the same day to expedite immigration services.
Flagpoling not only diverts resources away from essential border enforcement activities but also leads to delays for travelers and disrupts the smooth flow of goods across the shared border. Recent data showed that PGWP applicants accounted for a significant portion of those engaging in flagpoling activities from March 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024.
To encourage a more streamlined application process, the Canadian government is urging applicants to apply within the country rather than resorting to flagpoling tactics. Efforts are underway to enhance processing times through a more modern and centralized working environment, ensuring a fair and efficient system for all applicants.
Minister Marc Miller emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the immigration system and border security, stating that the crackdown on flagpoling aligns with the government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of Canadians and Americans alike.
Fellow Minister Dominic LeBlanc, overseeing Public Safety and Intergovernmental Affairs, echoed these sentiments by highlighting the need to ease the burden on border services officers and prioritize critical border protection measures.
With recent adjustments, flagpoling hours have been reduced at various ports of entry across Canada, allowing officers to manage high volumes of travelers effectively and focus on key priorities including high-risk individuals and trade facilitation.
The ongoing efforts to address flagpoling underscore the government’s dedication to ensuring a safe and efficient border, benefiting both nations while upholding the integrity of the immigration and security systems.
For media inquiries, please contact: Aïssa Diop Director of Communications Minister’s Office, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada aissa.diop@cic.gc.ca Media Relations, Communications Sector Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada 613-952-1650 media@c
June 21, 2024— Ottawa— In a bid to streamline border operations, the Canadian government has announced a measure aimed at curbing a practice known as ‘flagpoling,’ which has been causing delays and inefficiencies at key border crossings between Canada and the United States.
The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, revealed that foreign nationals seeking post-graduation work permits (PGWP) can no longer apply for them at the border with immediate effect. This move is designed to combat flagpoling, a process where temporary residents leave and re-enter Canada on the same day to expedite immigration services.
Flagpoling not only diverts resources away from essential border enforcement activities but also leads to delays for travelers and disrupts the smooth flow of goods across the shared border. Recent data showed that PGWP applicants accounted for a significant portion of those engaging in flagpoling activities from March 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024.
To encourage a more streamlined application process, the Canadian government is urging applicants to apply within the country rather than resorting to flagpoling tactics. Efforts are underway to enhance processing times through a more modern and centralized working environment, ensuring a fair and efficient system for all applicants.
Minister Marc Miller emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the immigration system and border security, stating that the crackdown on flagpoling aligns with the government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of Canadians and Americans alike.
Fellow Minister Dominic LeBlanc, overseeing Public Safety and Intergovernmental Affairs, echoed these sentiments by highlighting the need to ease the burden on border services officers and prioritize critical border protection measures.
With recent adjustments, flagpoling hours have been reduced at various ports of entry across Canada, allowing officers to manage high volumes of travelers effectively and focus on key priorities including high-risk individuals and trade facilitation.
The ongoing efforts to address flagpoling underscore the government’s dedication to ensuring a safe and efficient border, benefiting both nations while upholding the integrity of the immigration and security systems.
For media inquiries, please contact: Aïssa Diop Director of Communications Minister’s Office, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada aissa.diop@cic.gc.ca Media Relations, Communications Sector Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada 613-952-1650 media@c
