Halt to ‘Flagpoling’: Canada Tightens Border Rules for Foreign Workers
In a bid to streamline border operations and reduce unnecessary burdens on officers, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has put an end to the practice of foreign nationals applying for post-graduation work permits (PGWP) at the Canadian border, effective immediately.
The move, announced by the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, aims to combat the phenomenon known as “flagpoling,” where temporary residents leave and re-enter Canada on the same day to expedite their immigration services. This practice not only strains border resources but also disrupts the flow of goods and slows down passenger movement.
PGWP applicants constituted a significant portion of flagpolers, prompting the Canadian government to encourage applicants to apply within the country rather than resort to the inefficient border process. Efforts are underway to enhance processing times and create a more efficient application system globally.
Minister Miller emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the immigration system, stating, “While we value the contributions of international graduates, flagpoling is unnecessary and diverts resources from crucial border security activities.”
Backing the decision, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs, highlighted the impact of flagpoling on border officers and the need to prioritize border integrity.
Recent measures also include reduced flagpoling hours at several Canadian ports of entry and a focus on high-risk travellers and trade facilitation. Authorities are working to ensure a safe and efficient border for the mutual benefit of Canadians and Americans alike.
For media inquiries: 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
In a bid to streamline border operations and reduce unnecessary burdens on officers, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has put an end to the practice of foreign nationals applying for post-graduation work permits (PGWP) at the Canadian border, effective immediately.
The move, announced by the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, aims to combat the phenomenon known as “flagpoling,” where temporary residents leave and re-enter Canada on the same day to expedite their immigration services. This practice not only strains border resources but also disrupts the flow of goods and slows down passenger movement.
PGWP applicants constituted a significant portion of flagpolers, prompting the Canadian government to encourage applicants to apply within the country rather than resort to the inefficient border process. Efforts are underway to enhance processing times and create a more efficient application system globally.
Minister Miller emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the immigration system, stating, “While we value the contributions of international graduates, flagpoling is unnecessary and diverts resources from crucial border security activities.”
Backing the decision, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs, highlighted the impact of flagpoling on border officers and the need to prioritize border integrity.
Recent measures also include reduced flagpoling hours at several Canadian ports of entry and a focus on high-risk travellers and trade facilitation. Authorities are working to ensure a safe and efficient border for the mutual benefit of Canadians and Americans alike.
For media inquiries: 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
