Canada bans border applications for post-graduation work permits

Canada has banned foreign nationals from applying for post-graduation work permits (PGWP) at the border, effective immediately. This move aims to curb “flagpoling,” a practice that strains border resources and causes delays. The government encourages in-country applications to improve fairness and processing efficiency, the IRCC said in a statement.

In a recent announcement, Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, declared that foreign nationals can no longer apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border. This decision, effective immediately, aims to curb the practice known as “flagpoling.”

Flagpoling is when temporary residents in Canada bypass regular wait times for work or study permits by exiting and re-entering the country to receive same-day immigration services. This method has been straining border resources, diverting officers from enforcement activities, and causing delays for travelers and goods movement.

Statistics from March 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024, indicate that PGWP applicants accounted for about 20% of foreign nationals engaging in flagpoling. The Canadian government is now urging applicants to apply within Canada. Efforts to improve processing times and transition to a more integrated and modernized application system are underway to facilitate faster global processing.

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The new measure aims to ensure fairness among applicants and is part of a broader strategy to reduce flagpoling, thus enhancing the efficiency of the Canada-US shared border for the benefit of both nations.

“We’ll continue to look for ways to reduce flagpoling so our shared border with the US runs smoothly and efficiently, benefitting both our nations,” Miller said.International students in Canada should note significant changes in flagpoling procedures at 12 major ports of entry. These changes, introduced to streamline operations and enhance efficiency during peak travel periods, impact how graduating students transition from study permits to work permits.For many international students, study permits expire 90 days after completing their programs. Eligible graduates who apply online for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) before their study permits expire can continue working full-time while waiting for their PGWP approval. They receive an automated letter to show employers, and the approved work permit is mailed directly to them.

The reduction in flagpoling hours aims to allow border services officers to manage high volumes of travelers and focus on high-risk travelers and trade facilitation.

In response to the changes, authorities have implemented several measures to mitigate the impact on international students and foreign workers. These include:

• Speeding up processing times for in-Canada work permit applications.
• Simplifying online application forms and processes, enabling foreign nationals to work while waiting for decisions on new applications.
• Allowing workers to start with new employers immediately without waiting for the new work permit application to be processed.

These measures are designed to ensure that foreign nationals can continue their professional activities without significant disruption, despite the changes in flagpoling procedures.