On 21 June 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a new policy affecting foreign nationals seeking post-graduation work permits (PGWP). 

Effective immediately, foreign nationals can no longer apply for PGWPs at the Canada–U.S. border. This measure aims to reduce the practice known as “flagpoling,” where temporary residents exit and re-enter Canada to receive same-day immigration services, thereby bypassing standard processing times.

According to officials, flagpoling has been consuming significant resources at the border, diverting officers from essential enforcement duties and causing delays for travelers and goods. From March 2023 to February 2024, about 20% of PGWP applicants attempted to flagpole. To manage peak travel times and focus on key priorities such as high-risk travelers and trade, flagpoling hours have been reduced at 12 ports of entry across Canada earlier this year.

Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller stated that this change is intended to ensure fairness among applicants and maintain the integrity of the immigration system.

For more details, please visit the official news release on IRCC’s website.

Visit TWA Canada Immigration News for more related updates.