Foreign nationals can no longer apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the Canadian border, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, Marc Miller, has announced.
The decision comes as part of efforts to reduce “flagpoling” which happens when temporary Canadian residents avoid the normal wait times involved in applying for a work or study permit online by leaving the country and immediately reentering within 24 hours to receive the same-day immigration services at the border, VisaGuide.World reports.
Flagpoling uses significant resources at the border, taking officers away from enforcement activities, causing delays for travelers and slowing down the movement of goods.
The Government emphasized that from March 1, 2023, until February 29, 2024, PGWP applicants represented nearly one-fifth of the internationals who attempted to flagpole.
Considering it essential for a safe and secure flow of goods and people across the Canada-United States border, the government of Canada said the decision comes in order to facilitate and make it faster to cross the border without compromising the integrity of Canada’s immigration system.
While we continue to support and recognize the contributions of international graduates to Canada’s labor market, ‘flagpoling’ is unnecessary. The time and effort required to process applications from ‘flagpoles’ takes officers on both sides of the border away from their crucial role in protecting the safety, security and prosperity of Canadians and Americans.
According to the Minister, the new measure will help to halt such a practice while maintaining the integrity of Canada’s immigration system.
Regarding the issue, the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, Dominic LeBlanc, said that with the recent changes, Canada is taking a measured approach in order to put an even greater focus on maintaining the integrity of Canada’s shared border with the United States.
Canada Introduces Several Measures to Avoid Flagpoling
Through a statement, the government of Canada has announced that in the majority of cases, a study permit ceases to be valid 90 days after the expected completion of an international student study program.
Once a graduate student files an application for a PGWP online before their study permit expires, they are eligible to work full-time while they wait for approval of a work permit and receive a letter that can be provided to employers. When a work permit is approved, it’s mailed directly to them.
Authorities in Canada have reduced flagpoling hours at 12 ports of entry across Canada in order to permit border services officers to process the increased volume of travelers.
Among other measures introduced to address flagpoling include speeding up processing times for in-Canada work permit applications and simplifying online application forms and processes so internationals can continue working while waiting for a decision on their new application.