The Canadian government has announced the termination of flagpoling for obtaining or renewing work and study permits. Starting at 11:59 PM EST on December 23, 2024, this practice will no longer be available.
Flagpoling is the process where temporary residents in Canada, such as international students or workers, received their documents directly at the U.S. border.
This process was used by those who did not have visas for the U.S. or Canada. Legally and practically, they could not leave Canada to the U.S. and then return to process their documents at the border. As a result, flagpoling was used by individuals who were unable to leave Canada.
Essentially, this option was available to those who lacked visas for both the U.S. and Canada and could not exit Canada through any other means to process their documents.
Flagpoling placed a significant burden on border services resources, especially in regions such as Southern Ontario, Quebec, and the Pacific Coast. From April 2023 to March 2024 alone, 69,300 flagpoling requests were processed. This practice diverted border officers from their primary duties and caused delays for other travelers.
Ending flagpoling will allow border services to reallocate resources, enhance border security, and optimize immigration services.
From December 24, 2024, all applications for obtaining or renewing work and study permits must be submitted directly to IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada).
Exceptions include:
· U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
· Professionals and technicians under free trade agreements (Canada-U.S.-Mexico, South Korea).
· Spouses and partners of such professionals.
· International truck drivers.
· Individuals with pre-scheduled appointments with CBSA.
Applicants who can exit to the U.S. and return will still be able to process initial permits at the border. However, all renewals must be handled exclusively through IRCC.
Oleksandra Melnykova, Immigration and Refugee Consultant in Canada.
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