**Headline:** Canada Cracks Down on Border ‘Flagpoling’ Loophole for Post-Graduation Work Permits
In a move to strengthen the integrity of Canada’s immigration system and streamline border operations, officials have announced a major policy change aimed at curbing the practice of ‘flagpoling’ for post-graduation work permits (PGWP).
The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, revealed that foreign nationals will no longer be able to apply for PGWPs at the border effective immediately. This decision comes as part of ongoing efforts to combat the use of the “flagpoling” loophole, where individuals bypass standard online application procedures by repeatedly crossing the border for expedited immigration services.
Flagpoling has posed challenges to border security and enforcement activities, diverting resources and causing delays for travellers and the movement of goods. From data between March 1, 2023, and February 29, 2024, it was found that PGWP applicants accounted for a significant portion of those engaging in flagpoling practices.
Minister Marc Miller emphasized the importance of maintaining a fair and efficient immigration process, underscoring that while international graduates make valuable contributions to Canada’s labor market, flagpoling is an unnecessary strain on border services. He highlighted the need to protect the safety, security, and prosperity of Canadian and American citizens by eliminating such practices.
Additionally, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs, noted that the new measures aim to alleviate the burden on border officers and maintain the integrity of the shared border with the United States.
By deterring flagpoling and encouraging applicants to apply within Canada, officials seek to enhance the efficiency of border operations and ensure a smoother flow of goods and people between the two nations. Recent adjustments, such as reducing flagpoling hours at key entry points and focusing on high-risk travelers and trade facilitation, further support these objectives.
Efforts to modernize and centralize application processing globally are underway as part of a broader strategy to enhance the overall efficiency and fairness of Canada’s immigration system. The government remains committed to exploring innovative solutions to reduce flagpoling and enhance border security for the mutual benefit of both countries.
In a move to strengthen the integrity of Canada’s immigration system and streamline border operations, officials have announced a major policy change aimed at curbing the practice of ‘flagpoling’ for post-graduation work permits (PGWP).
The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, revealed that foreign nationals will no longer be able to apply for PGWPs at the border effective immediately. This decision comes as part of ongoing efforts to combat the use of the “flagpoling” loophole, where individuals bypass standard online application procedures by repeatedly crossing the border for expedited immigration services.
Flagpoling has posed challenges to border security and enforcement activities, diverting resources and causing delays for travellers and the movement of goods. From data between March 1, 2023, and February 29, 2024, it was found that PGWP applicants accounted for a significant portion of those engaging in flagpoling practices.
Minister Marc Miller emphasized the importance of maintaining a fair and efficient immigration process, underscoring that while international graduates make valuable contributions to Canada’s labor market, flagpoling is an unnecessary strain on border services. He highlighted the need to protect the safety, security, and prosperity of Canadian and American citizens by eliminating such practices.
Additionally, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs, noted that the new measures aim to alleviate the burden on border officers and maintain the integrity of the shared border with the United States.
By deterring flagpoling and encouraging applicants to apply within Canada, officials seek to enhance the efficiency of border operations and ensure a smoother flow of goods and people between the two nations. Recent adjustments, such as reducing flagpoling hours at key entry points and focusing on high-risk travelers and trade facilitation, further support these objectives.
Efforts to modernize and centralize application processing globally are underway as part of a broader strategy to enhance the overall efficiency and fairness of Canada’s immigration system. The government remains committed to exploring innovative solutions to reduce flagpoling and enhance border security for the mutual benefit of both countries.
