Effective December 23 at 11:59 pm ET, the Canadian government announced that work and study permits will no longer be issued to individuals flagpoling at ports of entry. Flagpoling is when foreign nationals with temporary resident status in Canada leave for the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon, then immediately re-enter to obtain immigration services.
This practice has been consuming significant resources at the border, diverting both Canadian and American officers from important enforcement activities, resulting in longer wait times for cross-border travelers.
Border immigration services are intended for those arriving in Canada, not for those already residing in the country. Applications and renewals for work or study permits must now be submitted to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Individuals attempting to flagpole for permits will be redirected to IRCC unless they qualify for specific exemptions.
This policy change benefits both Canada and the U.S. by allowing more efficient management of border operations and maintaining the integrity of their shared border.
Limited Exceptions Allowing Flagpoling for Work and Study Permits
In certain rare instances, work and study permits may still be issued at a port of entry to those who meet the criteria for flagpoling. These exceptions include:
- Citizens and lawful Permanent Residents of the United States;
- Professionals and technicians under free trade agreements with the United States, Mexico, Chile, Panama, Peru, Colombia, and South Korea;
- Spouses or common-law partners of professionals and technicians under free trade agreements with Panama, Colombia, and South Korea;
- International truck drivers with a work permit who need to leave Canada for employment purposes and have maintained their status by applying for renewal prior to departure;
- Individuals with a pre-existing appointment with the CBSA for permit processing.
