Title: “Canada Cracks Down on ‘Flagpoling’ to Streamline Border Crossing Procedures”
In a bid to enhance the efficiency of border operations between Canada and the United States, the Government of Canada has announced a significant policy change regarding foreign nationals applying for post-graduation work permits (PGWP). Effective immediately, individuals will no longer be able to apply for PGWPs at the border, aimed at reducing the practice known as “flagpoling.”
Flagpoling involves temporary residents of Canada leaving the country only to immediately re-enter on the same day to expedite immigration services, bypassing the standard application process for work or study permits. This practice has placed strain on border resources, diverting officers from critical enforcement duties, causing delays for travelers, and disrupting the flow of goods.
The measure to halt border PGWP applications was introduced by the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, emphasizing the need to deter flagpoling and maintain the integrity of the immigration system. The government aims to encourage applicants to apply within Canada itself, ensuring fairness and efficiency in the processing of immigration applications.
Minister Miller reiterated the significance of reducing flagpoling to uphold border security, while the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, highlighted the burden flagpoling places on border services officers. The change aligns with the ongoing efforts to address the issue, wherein flagpoling hours at 12 ports of entry in Canada have recently been reduced.
By tackling flagpoling and enhancing the processing of applications, Canada seeks to reinforce the seamless and secure movement of goods and people across the border with the United States, benefiting both nations. As the government continues to modernize and centralize its immigration processes globally, it remains committed to ensuring a safe and efficient border for all.
In a bid to enhance the efficiency of border operations between Canada and the United States, the Government of Canada has announced a significant policy change regarding foreign nationals applying for post-graduation work permits (PGWP). Effective immediately, individuals will no longer be able to apply for PGWPs at the border, aimed at reducing the practice known as “flagpoling.”
Flagpoling involves temporary residents of Canada leaving the country only to immediately re-enter on the same day to expedite immigration services, bypassing the standard application process for work or study permits. This practice has placed strain on border resources, diverting officers from critical enforcement duties, causing delays for travelers, and disrupting the flow of goods.
The measure to halt border PGWP applications was introduced by the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, emphasizing the need to deter flagpoling and maintain the integrity of the immigration system. The government aims to encourage applicants to apply within Canada itself, ensuring fairness and efficiency in the processing of immigration applications.
Minister Miller reiterated the significance of reducing flagpoling to uphold border security, while the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, highlighted the burden flagpoling places on border services officers. The change aligns with the ongoing efforts to address the issue, wherein flagpoling hours at 12 ports of entry in Canada have recently been reduced.
By tackling flagpoling and enhancing the processing of applications, Canada seeks to reinforce the seamless and secure movement of goods and people across the border with the United States, benefiting both nations. As the government continues to modernize and centralize its immigration processes globally, it remains committed to ensuring a safe and efficient border for all.
