Canada Ends 'Flagpoling' for Post-Graduation Work Permits

Temporary Canadian residents often avoid lengthy online wait times for work or study permits by leaving the country and then re-entering to receive immediate immigration services at the border. This practice, known as “flagpoling,” allows them to bypass delays and get same-day processing.

To address this, the Canadian government announced a new policy effective June 21, 2024. From this date, foreign nationals will no longer be able to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border.

The government aims to streamline and standardize the application process by implementing this change.

Eliminating the option to flagpole for a PGWP intends to prevent the misuse of border services and ensure a more uniform process for all applicants. This move is expected to improve the efficiency and fairness of Canada’s immigration system, making it more consistent for everyone involved.

The government believes this adjustment will contribute to a more organized and equitable immigration process.