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Canada ends Post-graduate work permit services at the Port of Entries

Key Points

  • Starting June 21, 2024, foreign nationals can no longer apply for a PGWP at the port of entry (POE) in Canada.
  • The IRCC is improving processing times and simplifying the application process to encourage in-country applications.
  • The change is intended to allow border officers to focus more on enforcement activities.

Starting immediately from 21 June 2024, foreign nationals can no longer apply for a post-graduate work permit (PGWP) at the port of entry (POE) in Canada. The decision has been made as the border officers will have more time to perform enforcement activities. Furthermore, applicants of PGWP are advised to apply in Canada instead of flagpole.

The new regulations will bring fair policies intact as some applicants have been using the famous procedure of flagpolling. This saved them time and lengthy procedures. Since they used to have direct interaction with the immigration officer at the port of entry, it was easy to satisfy them if raised any questions on the application.

What is flagpolling at the Canadian border?

Flagpoling is a legal way for temporary residents in Canada, such as those on work or study permits, or with a visitor visa/eTA, to quickly handle their immigration needs. They do this by leaving and re-entering Canada at a designated port of entry (POE) within 24 hours. From March 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024, PGWP applicants made up about 20% of those who flagpoled.

New measures by the IRCC

IRCC is encouraging applicants to apply within the country instead of flagpoling. This is why because the department is now:

  • improving processing times and moving towards a more integrated, modernized, and centralized system to speed up application processing globally;
  • simplifying the application process and forms so that the applicants can work whilst they wait for a decision on their application;
  • before getting a new work permit after changing jobs, the applicants can start working for the new employer.

Why does Canada stop Flagpoling services for PGWP?

For North America’s economy and close Canada–US ties, ensuring smooth cross-border travel is mandatory. IRCC aims to streamline border crossings without compromising immigration integrity and enforcement services. However, flagpoling uses extra border resources which causes delays for travelers and slows goods movement. The new measures will help the border enforcing officers tom work smoothly for other services rather than processing PGWP applications.

Statements from Ministers

Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller said on this occasion:

“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 ‘flagpolers’ takes officers on both sides of the border away from their crucial role in protecting the safety, security, and prosperity of Canadians and Americans. This measure will help prevent this practice while maintaining the integrity of our immigration system.”

Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs, Dominic LeBlanc said;

“Flagpoling places an undue burden on our border services officers. With this change, we’re taking a measured approach to combatting the issue and putting an even greater focus on maintaining the integrity of our shared border with the United States.”