Breaking: Canada Ends Flagpoling For All Work and Study Permits

Although several attempts have been made in 2024 to reduce the number of individuals who flagpole to acquire new status, IRCC has given foreign nationals a little over 4 hours notice of this drastic change, at one of the busiest times of the year. 

Those wanting a new Canadian status this Christmas will now need to apply online and wait up to 6 months.

Why Has Flagpoling Ended?

Between April 2023 and March 2024, the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) processed over 69,000 flagpoling cases across Canada. This high volume of border requests consumed significant resources, diverting both Canadian and U.S. border officials from important enforcement activities.

By ending flagpoling, immigration services at the border will now be limited to individuals arriving in Canada. Those already in Canada will be required to submit their applications online through the designated online IRCC portal.

Why Was Flagpoling So Popular? 

Flagpoling became popular because it offered a quick and convenient way for individuals in Canada to access instant immigration services, such as renewing work or study permits, without having to submit applications through the IRCC online portals, thus allowing applicants to bypass the longer processing times associated with online applications. 

For reference, a work permit application made at the port of entry could be processed in a matter of minutes or hours verses an online application which is currently taking 6 months to process. 

Who Can Still Flagpole? 

Work and study permits may still be issued at a port of entry to individuals who meet the definition of flagpoling, but only under certain exemptions, including requests made by :

• U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents;
• Professionals and technicians covered under free trade agreements with the United States, Mexico, Chile, Panama, Peru, Colombia, and South Korea;
• Spouses or common-law partners of professionals and technicians from the above-mentioned free trade agreements (with Panama, Colombia, and South Korea);
• International truck drivers holding a work permit, who are required to leave Canada for employment and have maintained their status by applying for permit renewal before departure;
• Individuals who have a pre-scheduled appointment with the CBSA for permit processing.

Can Work Permit Applications Still Be Made at the Port of Entry?

The end of flagpoling does not eliminate the option to apply for a work permit at the port of entry. Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria can still apply for a work permit at the port of entry, as long as their application does not fall under the definition of flagpoling. 

As defined recently in the Canada Gazette, Part II, Volume 158, Number 26 edition, Flagpoling is defined as”The class of persons defined as “flagpolers” are temporary residents who exit to the United States and re-enter Canada within 24 hours to access prescribed immigration services such as the processing of work permits, study permits, and confirmations of permanent resident status.”

On December 24, 2024, IRCC offered further clarification on the topic of port-of-entry applications. Accordingly, under regulation 199, anyone who holds a valid work permit or who wishes to change their conditions or renew their work permit should apply in Canada. This suggests that no immigration services will be provided at the port of entry for applicants who already hold valid Canadian status.