New Headline: “Canada Implements New Border Measure to Curb ‘Flagpoling’ Among Foreign Nationals”
June 21, 2024—Ottawa—Ensuring a smooth and secure flow of goods and people across the Canada–United States border remains a top priority for North America’s economy. In a bid to enhance border efficiency without compromising immigration integrity, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, made a significant announcement today.
Effective immediately, foreign nationals will no longer be able to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border. This measure aims to combat the practice of “flagpoling,” where temporary residents bypass regular wait times by exiting and immediately re-entering the country for expedited immigration services.
From March 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024, PGWP applicants accounted for approximately one-fifth of foreign nationals attempting to flagpole. The government is urging applicants to apply within Canada, streamlining processes and striving for a more efficient and centralized application system.
Minister Miller emphasized, “While we value the contributions of international graduates, flagpoling drains crucial resources and disrupts border operations. This change increases fairness and upholds the integrity of our immigration system.”
The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs, added, “Flagpoling strains our border officers. This measured approach strengthens our shared border’s integrity with the United States.”
Recent adjustments include reduced flagpoling hours at 12 Canadian ports of entry to manage peak traveler periods effectively. The focus remains on high-risk travelers and trade facilitation.
Moving forward, Canada aims to continue refining border processes to ensure a seamless and thriving relationship with the US.
June 21, 2024—Ottawa—Ensuring a smooth and secure flow of goods and people across the Canada–United States border remains a top priority for North America’s economy. In a bid to enhance border efficiency without compromising immigration integrity, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, made a significant announcement today.
Effective immediately, foreign nationals will no longer be able to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border. This measure aims to combat the practice of “flagpoling,” where temporary residents bypass regular wait times by exiting and immediately re-entering the country for expedited immigration services.
From March 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024, PGWP applicants accounted for approximately one-fifth of foreign nationals attempting to flagpole. The government is urging applicants to apply within Canada, streamlining processes and striving for a more efficient and centralized application system.
Minister Miller emphasized, “While we value the contributions of international graduates, flagpoling drains crucial resources and disrupts border operations. This change increases fairness and upholds the integrity of our immigration system.”
The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs, added, “Flagpoling strains our border officers. This measured approach strengthens our shared border’s integrity with the United States.”
Recent adjustments include reduced flagpoling hours at 12 Canadian ports of entry to manage peak traveler periods effectively. The focus remains on high-risk travelers and trade facilitation.
Moving forward, Canada aims to continue refining border processes to ensure a seamless and thriving relationship with the US.
