“Border Crackdown: Changes in Post-Graduation Work Permits to Curb ‘Flagpoling’ on Canada–US Border” In an effort to streamline border operations and maintain the integrity of Canada’s immigration system, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller, has announced a significant change affecting foreign nationals seeking post-graduation work permits (PGWP) at the Canada–United States border.
Effective immediately, foreign nationals will no longer be able to apply for PGWPs at the border, a move aimed at curbing the practice known as “flagpoling.” Flagpoling refers to the tactic where temporary residents circumvent online application processes by leaving and re-entering the country for immediate immigration services, causing delays and diverting resources at the border.
Statistics show that from March 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024, PGWP applicants accounted for about one-fifth of foreign nationals attempting to flagpole. The government is taking steps to encourage applicants to apply within Canada to reduce flagpoling instances and improve processing efficiency.
Minister Miller emphasized the need to prioritize border security and proper immigration procedures, stating, “Flagpoling is unnecessary and places undue burden on our officers, diverting them from crucial enforcement activities.” By implementing these changes, the government aims to create a fairer system and expedite application processing globally.
To further combat flagpoling, recent adjustments involved reducing flagpoling hours at select ports of entry and enhancing officer focus on critical tasks like trade facilitation and security. The government remains committed to ensuring a smooth and efficient border with the United States for the benefit of both nations.
Minister Miller’s move was supported by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs, Dominic LeBlanc, who stressed the importance of maintaining border integrity and efficiency.
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@cic.gc.ca Media Relations Canada Border Services Agency media@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca 1-877-761-5945
Effective immediately, foreign nationals will no longer be able to apply for PGWPs at the border, a move aimed at curbing the practice known as “flagpoling.” Flagpoling refers to the tactic where temporary residents circumvent online application processes by leaving and re-entering the country for immediate immigration services, causing delays and diverting resources at the border.
Statistics show that from March 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024, PGWP applicants accounted for about one-fifth of foreign nationals attempting to flagpole. The government is taking steps to encourage applicants to apply within Canada to reduce flagpoling instances and improve processing efficiency.
Minister Miller emphasized the need to prioritize border security and proper immigration procedures, stating, “Flagpoling is unnecessary and places undue burden on our officers, diverting them from crucial enforcement activities.” By implementing these changes, the government aims to create a fairer system and expedite application processing globally.
To further combat flagpoling, recent adjustments involved reducing flagpoling hours at select ports of entry and enhancing officer focus on critical tasks like trade facilitation and security. The government remains committed to ensuring a smooth and efficient border with the United States for the benefit of both nations.
Minister Miller’s move was supported by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs, Dominic LeBlanc, who stressed the importance of maintaining border integrity and efficiency.
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@cic.gc.ca Media Relations Canada Border Services Agency media@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca 1-877-761-5945
