Headline: Canada Tightens Border Control to Curb Flagpoling by Foreign Nationals
In a recent announcement by Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, Marc Miller, Canada has implemented new measures to combat the practice of “flagpoling” by foreign nationals seeking post-graduation work permits (PGWP) at the border. Effective immediately, foreign nationals can no longer apply for a PGWP at the border in an effort to streamline immigration processes and maintain the integrity of the immigration system.
Flagpoling, which involves individuals leaving the country and immediately re-entering to receive same-day immigration services, has been a significant issue, diverting resources and causing delays for travellers and goods. To address this, Canada is encouraging applicants to apply for permits within the country rather than flagpole, aiming to reduce the strain on border officers and improve overall efficiency.
With PGWP applicants making up a substantial portion of those engaging in flagpoling, the Government of Canada is taking proactive steps to deter this practice. Minister Miller emphasized the importance of maintaining border security and efficiency while acknowledging the contributions of international graduates to the Canadian labor market.
Alongside the changes to PGWP applications, flagpoling hours at 12 ports of entry across Canada have been reduced to ensure border officers can effectively manage the influx of travellers during peak periods. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to modernize and centralize application processing globally, making the immigration system more fair and streamlined for all applicants.
The Government is committed to reducing flagpoling to enhance the flow of goods and people across the Canada-United States border, benefiting both nations. Minster Miller and Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs, Dominic LeBlanc, emphasized the importance of combatting flagpoling while maintaining the security and prosperity of Canadians and Americans.
For media inquiries, please contact Aïssa Diop, Director of Communications at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, and the Media Relations team at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and Canada Border Services Agency.
In a recent announcement by Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, Marc Miller, Canada has implemented new measures to combat the practice of “flagpoling” by foreign nationals seeking post-graduation work permits (PGWP) at the border. Effective immediately, foreign nationals can no longer apply for a PGWP at the border in an effort to streamline immigration processes and maintain the integrity of the immigration system.
Flagpoling, which involves individuals leaving the country and immediately re-entering to receive same-day immigration services, has been a significant issue, diverting resources and causing delays for travellers and goods. To address this, Canada is encouraging applicants to apply for permits within the country rather than flagpole, aiming to reduce the strain on border officers and improve overall efficiency.
With PGWP applicants making up a substantial portion of those engaging in flagpoling, the Government of Canada is taking proactive steps to deter this practice. Minister Miller emphasized the importance of maintaining border security and efficiency while acknowledging the contributions of international graduates to the Canadian labor market.
Alongside the changes to PGWP applications, flagpoling hours at 12 ports of entry across Canada have been reduced to ensure border officers can effectively manage the influx of travellers during peak periods. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to modernize and centralize application processing globally, making the immigration system more fair and streamlined for all applicants.
The Government is committed to reducing flagpoling to enhance the flow of goods and people across the Canada-United States border, benefiting both nations. Minster Miller and Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs, Dominic LeBlanc, emphasized the importance of combatting flagpoling while maintaining the security and prosperity of Canadians and Americans.
For media inquiries, please contact Aïssa Diop, Director of Communications at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, and the Media Relations team at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and Canada Border Services Agency.
