Headline: Canada Implements New Measure to Combat “Flagpoling” and Speed Up Immigration Processes
In a bid to enhance the efficiency of North America’s shared border with the United States and streamline immigration procedures, the Canadian government has taken a decisive step to address the practice of “flagpoling.” This measure aims to curb unnecessary delays and ensure the integrity of Canada’s immigration system.
Effective immediately, foreign nationals will no longer be able to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller announced today. By eliminating the ability to bypass online application processes through flagpoling, the government hopes to reduce strain on border services officers and expedite the movement of goods and people across the border.
Flagpoling, a practice where temporary residents leave and re-enter Canada on the same day to expedite immigration processes, has been identified as a significant drain on resources and a hindrance to efficient border operations. From March 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024, PGWP applicants alone made up a substantial portion of flagpoling attempts.
The government is keen on encouraging applicants to utilize existing online application channels within Canada to streamline the process and improve overall processing times. A more integrated, modernized, and centralized approach is being adopted to facilitate applications globally.
Minister Miller emphasized the need to tackle flagpoling to maintain the safety, security, and prosperity of both Canadians and Americans. The change is a strategic move to uphold the integrity of the immigration system while ensuring fairness among all applicants.
Minister Dominic LeBlanc of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the shared border’s integrity and the role of border services officers in ensuring security.
Recent reductions in flagpoling hours at key ports of entry and other targeted measures are part of a broader strategy to address the issue comprehensively and efficiently. The government remains committed to finding innovative solutions to reduce flagpoling and enhance the seamless operation of the Canada-United States border.
With this new measure in place, Canada is poised to combat flagpoling effectively and expedite immigration processes, benefitting both nations economically and socially.
In a bid to enhance the efficiency of North America’s shared border with the United States and streamline immigration procedures, the Canadian government has taken a decisive step to address the practice of “flagpoling.” This measure aims to curb unnecessary delays and ensure the integrity of Canada’s immigration system.
Effective immediately, foreign nationals will no longer be able to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller announced today. By eliminating the ability to bypass online application processes through flagpoling, the government hopes to reduce strain on border services officers and expedite the movement of goods and people across the border.
Flagpoling, a practice where temporary residents leave and re-enter Canada on the same day to expedite immigration processes, has been identified as a significant drain on resources and a hindrance to efficient border operations. From March 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024, PGWP applicants alone made up a substantial portion of flagpoling attempts.
The government is keen on encouraging applicants to utilize existing online application channels within Canada to streamline the process and improve overall processing times. A more integrated, modernized, and centralized approach is being adopted to facilitate applications globally.
Minister Miller emphasized the need to tackle flagpoling to maintain the safety, security, and prosperity of both Canadians and Americans. The change is a strategic move to uphold the integrity of the immigration system while ensuring fairness among all applicants.
Minister Dominic LeBlanc of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the shared border’s integrity and the role of border services officers in ensuring security.
Recent reductions in flagpoling hours at key ports of entry and other targeted measures are part of a broader strategy to address the issue comprehensively and efficiently. The government remains committed to finding innovative solutions to reduce flagpoling and enhance the seamless operation of the Canada-United States border.
With this new measure in place, Canada is poised to combat flagpoling effectively and expedite immigration processes, benefitting both nations economically and socially.
