As of June 21, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that foreign nationals are no longer able to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at their Canadian port of entry (POE). This change is effective immediately and aims to streamline the immigration process and reduce operational burdens at border points. The announcement reflects a broader initiative to refine the efficiency and fairness of the immigration system while addressing the practical needs of border enforcement and commercial activity.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller stated that this measure is intended to reduce the practice known as “flagpoling,” which allows applicants to expedite their immigration processes by exiting and re-entering Canada. By curbing this practice, border officers will have more time for enforcement activities, thereby enhancing border security and facilitating smoother travel and trade between Canada and the United States. The department also anticipates that this will increase fairness among applicants, ensuring a more balanced and equitable processing environment.
Despite the change, Minister Miller emphasized the ongoing support for international graduates contributing to Canada’s labor market. He explained that “flagpoling” diverts valuable resources from border officers, who play a critical role in maintaining safety and security. To address the needs of applicants who previously relied on flagpoling, IRCC is implementing measures to expedite processing times for in-Canada work permit applications, simplifying online application forms, and allowing workers to start new jobs immediately while waiting for their work permits to be processed.
Flagpoling, which accounted for a significant portion of PGWP applications from March 2023 to February 2024, is a practice where eligible temporary residents exit and re-enter Canada through a POE to receive immediate immigration services. This method has been used to bypass lengthy processing times associated with online or paper applications. However, the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) advises caution due to potential complications, such as long wait times at POEs and the risk of deportation for out-of-status individuals.
In response to increasing wait times and traffic at key POEs, recent changes have been made to flagpoling services in general. The Canadian and United States governments have agreed to reduce hours of flagpoling services at 12 Canadian POEs. This measure is part of a broader strategy to manage border operations more effectively and ensure that immigration services are administered in a timely and secure manner. By adjusting these services, both governments aim to improve the overall efficiency of border crossings and reduce the strain on immigration and border enforcement resources.
Source: CIC News