**Title**: Crackdown on Border ‘Flagpoling’ to Ensure Smooth Flow of People and Goods Between Canada and US
In a move to streamline border processes and maintain the integrity of the immigration system, the Canadian government has implemented measures to curb a practice known as ‘flagpoling’ that has been causing delays and congestion at border crossings.
The flagpoling practice, where temporary residents leave Canada briefly and re-enter the country to expedite their immigration services, has been a growing concern for officials. Effective immediately, foreign nationals are no longer able to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border, aiming to reduce the strain on border officers and resources.
According to the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the move is designed to discourage unnecessary border trips for permit applications and focus on maintaining the safety and security of Canadians and Americans. By reducing flagpoling, officers can allocate more time to enforcement activities and ensure smoother border operations.
The changes also align with efforts to encourage applicants to apply within Canada rather than resorting to flagpoling practices. The government aims to improve processing times and enhance the efficiency of application processing on a global scale. The recent reduction of flagpoling hours at 12 ports of entry across Canada is part of the broader strategy to prioritize high-risk travellers and trade facilitation.
Ministers Miller and LeBlanc emphasized the importance of upholding the integrity of the shared border with the US while acknowledging the contributions of international graduates to Canada’s labour market. By implementing these measures, the government seeks to strike a balance between supporting foreign nationals and safeguarding border operations.
The measures are part of ongoing efforts to modernize and centralize the immigration system, ensuring a fair and efficient process for all applicants. As both countries strive to maintain a safe and secure flow of goods and people between their borders, these changes represent a step forward in fostering strong ties and economic prosperity in the region.
In a move to streamline border processes and maintain the integrity of the immigration system, the Canadian government has implemented measures to curb a practice known as ‘flagpoling’ that has been causing delays and congestion at border crossings.
The flagpoling practice, where temporary residents leave Canada briefly and re-enter the country to expedite their immigration services, has been a growing concern for officials. Effective immediately, foreign nationals are no longer able to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border, aiming to reduce the strain on border officers and resources.
According to the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the move is designed to discourage unnecessary border trips for permit applications and focus on maintaining the safety and security of Canadians and Americans. By reducing flagpoling, officers can allocate more time to enforcement activities and ensure smoother border operations.
The changes also align with efforts to encourage applicants to apply within Canada rather than resorting to flagpoling practices. The government aims to improve processing times and enhance the efficiency of application processing on a global scale. The recent reduction of flagpoling hours at 12 ports of entry across Canada is part of the broader strategy to prioritize high-risk travellers and trade facilitation.
Ministers Miller and LeBlanc emphasized the importance of upholding the integrity of the shared border with the US while acknowledging the contributions of international graduates to Canada’s labour market. By implementing these measures, the government seeks to strike a balance between supporting foreign nationals and safeguarding border operations.
The measures are part of ongoing efforts to modernize and centralize the immigration system, ensuring a fair and efficient process for all applicants. As both countries strive to maintain a safe and secure flow of goods and people between their borders, these changes represent a step forward in fostering strong ties and economic prosperity in the region.
