Headline: Canada Tightens Border Rules to Combat ‘Flagpoling’ Phenomenon
In a bid to streamline the flow of goods and people crossing the Canada-United States border and crack down on a practice known as “flagpoling,” Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada have implemented a new policy effective immediately.
The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, announced that foreign nationals can no longer apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border. This move aims to tackle flagpoling, a method where temporary residents exit and re-enter the country to expedite immigration services, causing delays and resource strain at border checkpoints.
Recent statistics reveal that PGWP applicants accounted for a significant portion of individuals engaging in flagpoling between March 2023 and February 2024. The Canadian government is now encouraging applicants to apply within the country, enhancing fairness and efficiency in immigration processes.
“Our objective is to reduce flagpoling activities to ensure a more seamless and effective border operation between Canada and the US,” stated Minister Miller.
The decision was supported by The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs, who emphasized the importance of safeguarding the border’s integrity and officers’ responsibilities.
To further curb flagpoling, border hours have been adjusted at 12 entry points across Canada to optimize traveller processing and secure high-risk individuals and trade facilitation efforts.
These steps mark Canada’s commitment to maintaining a safe and efficient border while championing fairness and security within its immigration system.
In a bid to streamline the flow of goods and people crossing the Canada-United States border and crack down on a practice known as “flagpoling,” Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada have implemented a new policy effective immediately.
The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, announced that foreign nationals can no longer apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border. This move aims to tackle flagpoling, a method where temporary residents exit and re-enter the country to expedite immigration services, causing delays and resource strain at border checkpoints.
Recent statistics reveal that PGWP applicants accounted for a significant portion of individuals engaging in flagpoling between March 2023 and February 2024. The Canadian government is now encouraging applicants to apply within the country, enhancing fairness and efficiency in immigration processes.
“Our objective is to reduce flagpoling activities to ensure a more seamless and effective border operation between Canada and the US,” stated Minister Miller.
The decision was supported by The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs, who emphasized the importance of safeguarding the border’s integrity and officers’ responsibilities.
To further curb flagpoling, border hours have been adjusted at 12 entry points across Canada to optimize traveller processing and secure high-risk individuals and trade facilitation efforts.
These steps mark Canada’s commitment to maintaining a safe and efficient border while championing fairness and security within its immigration system.
