Title: Government Tightens Border Procedures to Combat Flagpoling Issues
In a bid to streamline border operations and maintain the integrity of the immigration system, the Canadian government has announced a new measure to tackle the practice of ‘flagpoling.’ The Honorable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, declared that foreign nationals can no longer apply for post-graduation work permits at the border, effective immediately.
Flagpoling, a process where temporary residents bypass regular online application procedures by leaving and immediately re-entering the country for expedited immigration services, has been proven to be resource-intensive and disruptive at the border. From March 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024, post-graduation work permit applicants comprised about one-fifth of foreign nationals attempting to flagpole.
The government aims to curb flagpoling by encouraging applicants to apply within Canada, thus reducing strain on border resources and enhancing fairness in the application process. Minister Miller emphasized the importance of maintaining efficient border operations for the benefit of both Canadians and Americans, highlighting the significance of protecting their safety, security, and prosperity.
Furthermore, the change in border procedures is touted as a step towards reducing unnecessary burdens on border services officers. By tackling flagpoling, the government aims to allocate resources effectively to critical areas such as handling high-risk travelers and facilitating trade.
The recent reduction in flagpoling hours at 12 Canadian ports of entry illustrates the government’s commitment to optimizing border services during peak travel periods. These efforts align with the broader strategy to modernize immigration processes and enhance the overall efficiency of the immigration system.
As the government continues to make strides in combatting flagpoling, Minister Miller and his counterparts underscore the need for a coordinated approach to safeguarding the shared border with the United States. By addressing these challenges proactively, Canada aims to ensure a smooth and secure flow of goods and people across the North American region.
In a bid to streamline border operations and maintain the integrity of the immigration system, the Canadian government has announced a new measure to tackle the practice of ‘flagpoling.’ The Honorable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, declared that foreign nationals can no longer apply for post-graduation work permits at the border, effective immediately.
Flagpoling, a process where temporary residents bypass regular online application procedures by leaving and immediately re-entering the country for expedited immigration services, has been proven to be resource-intensive and disruptive at the border. From March 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024, post-graduation work permit applicants comprised about one-fifth of foreign nationals attempting to flagpole.
The government aims to curb flagpoling by encouraging applicants to apply within Canada, thus reducing strain on border resources and enhancing fairness in the application process. Minister Miller emphasized the importance of maintaining efficient border operations for the benefit of both Canadians and Americans, highlighting the significance of protecting their safety, security, and prosperity.
Furthermore, the change in border procedures is touted as a step towards reducing unnecessary burdens on border services officers. By tackling flagpoling, the government aims to allocate resources effectively to critical areas such as handling high-risk travelers and facilitating trade.
The recent reduction in flagpoling hours at 12 Canadian ports of entry illustrates the government’s commitment to optimizing border services during peak travel periods. These efforts align with the broader strategy to modernize immigration processes and enhance the overall efficiency of the immigration system.
As the government continues to make strides in combatting flagpoling, Minister Miller and his counterparts underscore the need for a coordinated approach to safeguarding the shared border with the United States. By addressing these challenges proactively, Canada aims to ensure a smooth and secure flow of goods and people across the North American region.
