Headline: Canada Announces New Measure to Stop “Flagpoling” at US-Canada Border
In a bid to secure the smooth flow of goods and people across the Canada-United States border, the government of Canada has put forth a new regulation to combat a practice known as “flagpoling.” This announcement was made today by the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship.
Effective immediately, foreign nationals will no longer be able to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border. The move aims to curb flagpoling, a practice where temporary residents skip the standard online application process by exiting and re-entering Canada to expedite immigration services.
Flagpoling, which diverts border officers from vital enforcement tasks, causes delays for travelers and disrupts the flow of goods. From March 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024, PGWP applicants made up a significant portion of those attempting to flagpole.
The Canadian government encourages applicants to apply within Canada, aiming to streamline the process and reduce flagpoling. Minister Marc Miller stressed the importance of maintaining the integrity of the immigration system and preventing unnecessary burdens on border services officers.
The shift in policy aligns with efforts to improve processing times and streamline application procedures globally. Recent measures include reducing flagpoling hours at border entry points to prioritize high-risk travelers and trade facilitation.
By taking a proactive stance against flagpoling, Canada seeks to uphold a secure and efficient border, benefiting both Canadian and American interests. “This measure will prevent the practice of flagpoling while safeguarding the prosperity and security of our nations,” stated Minister Marc Miller.
The move has received support from the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs, who emphasized the need to maintain the shared border’s integrity.
As the government continues to address flagpoling challenges, efforts are underway to create a more streamlined and centralized application process, ensuring fairness for all applicants and efficiency for border operations.
In a bid to secure the smooth flow of goods and people across the Canada-United States border, the government of Canada has put forth a new regulation to combat a practice known as “flagpoling.” This announcement was made today by the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship.
Effective immediately, foreign nationals will no longer be able to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border. The move aims to curb flagpoling, a practice where temporary residents skip the standard online application process by exiting and re-entering Canada to expedite immigration services.
Flagpoling, which diverts border officers from vital enforcement tasks, causes delays for travelers and disrupts the flow of goods. From March 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024, PGWP applicants made up a significant portion of those attempting to flagpole.
The Canadian government encourages applicants to apply within Canada, aiming to streamline the process and reduce flagpoling. Minister Marc Miller stressed the importance of maintaining the integrity of the immigration system and preventing unnecessary burdens on border services officers.
The shift in policy aligns with efforts to improve processing times and streamline application procedures globally. Recent measures include reducing flagpoling hours at border entry points to prioritize high-risk travelers and trade facilitation.
By taking a proactive stance against flagpoling, Canada seeks to uphold a secure and efficient border, benefiting both Canadian and American interests. “This measure will prevent the practice of flagpoling while safeguarding the prosperity and security of our nations,” stated Minister Marc Miller.
The move has received support from the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs, who emphasized the need to maintain the shared border’s integrity.
As the government continues to address flagpoling challenges, efforts are underway to create a more streamlined and centralized application process, ensuring fairness for all applicants and efficiency for border operations.
