Headline: “Canada Implements New Measures to Combat Flagpoling Amidst Border Security Concerns”
In a bid to enhance the efficiency and integrity of border operations between Canada and the United States, the Canadian government has implemented new measures to combat the practice of “flagpoling.” The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the immediate cessation of foreign nationals’ ability to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border, with the aim of reducing flagpoling instances.
Flagpoling, a practice where temporary residents bypass regular application processes by exiting and re-entering the country for same-day immigration services, has been flagged as a significant drain on border resources, causing delays for travelers and hindering the smooth flow of goods across the border. Approximately one-fifth of foreign nationals attempting flagpoling were PGWP applicants between March 1, 2023, and February 29, 2024.
The government is urging applicants to apply within Canada rather than resorting to flagpoling tactics. Efforts are being made to enhance the processing system and create a more integrated and streamlined application process globally to expedite the processing of applications. The recent restrictions aim to promote fairness among applicants while curtailing flagpoling practices.
Minister Miller emphasized the necessity of maintaining border security and efficiency, stating, “While we continue to support international graduates’ contributions to Canada’s labor market, flagpoling is unnecessary and diverts resources from crucial enforcement activities.” The move has garnered support from The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs, who highlighted the need to eliminate the undue burden placed on border services officers by flagpoling incidents.
To combat the issue effectively, flagpoling hours have been reduced at 12 ports of entry in Canada, allowing officers to prioritize high-risk travelers and trade facilitation. These measures mark a strategic approach by the Canadian government to address flagpoling concerns and uphold the integrity of its shared border with the United States.
In a bid to enhance the efficiency and integrity of border operations between Canada and the United States, the Canadian government has implemented new measures to combat the practice of “flagpoling.” The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the immediate cessation of foreign nationals’ ability to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border, with the aim of reducing flagpoling instances.
Flagpoling, a practice where temporary residents bypass regular application processes by exiting and re-entering the country for same-day immigration services, has been flagged as a significant drain on border resources, causing delays for travelers and hindering the smooth flow of goods across the border. Approximately one-fifth of foreign nationals attempting flagpoling were PGWP applicants between March 1, 2023, and February 29, 2024.
The government is urging applicants to apply within Canada rather than resorting to flagpoling tactics. Efforts are being made to enhance the processing system and create a more integrated and streamlined application process globally to expedite the processing of applications. The recent restrictions aim to promote fairness among applicants while curtailing flagpoling practices.
Minister Miller emphasized the necessity of maintaining border security and efficiency, stating, “While we continue to support international graduates’ contributions to Canada’s labor market, flagpoling is unnecessary and diverts resources from crucial enforcement activities.” The move has garnered support from The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs, who highlighted the need to eliminate the undue burden placed on border services officers by flagpoling incidents.
To combat the issue effectively, flagpoling hours have been reduced at 12 ports of entry in Canada, allowing officers to prioritize high-risk travelers and trade facilitation. These measures mark a strategic approach by the Canadian government to address flagpoling concerns and uphold the integrity of its shared border with the United States.
