Canada Tightens Access to Port of Entry Work Permit Applications

Historically, eligible foreign nationals could apply for work permits directly at POEs when entering Canada. This process allowed qualified applicants to secure employment authorization at a Canadian border, creating a smoother and faster process for both employer and employee.

But, the updated guidelines limit who can apply for a work permit at a POE. Moving forward, certain foreign nationals inside Canada are no longer able to apply for a work permit at the port of entry. Instead, they must apply for a work permit from inside Canada.

Details on the Update

The limit of POE applications comes just hours after IRCC effectively banned flagpoling, a process under which a foreign national leaves Canada and reenters within 24 hours to receive immigration services at the POE.

Following the flagpoling update, technically an eligible foreign national could still have sought immigration services at a POE, so long as they were out of Canada for over 24 hours. 

This latest update puts an end to this too. Now, applicants who hold a valid work permit or who wish to change their conditions or renew their work permit should apply in Canada, through the prescribed methods.

This update is specific to applicants in Canada who hold a valid work permit.

Anyone who does not fall into this category and is eligible to do so, may still apply for a work permit at a POE.

Implications of Update

This update is likely to result in a steady increase in online applications from individuals already in Canada, adding to an existing backlog of cases.

Currently, the processing time for in-Canada applications is approximately 170 days. Without the introduction of new systems or processes by IRCC to handle the increased volume, these wait times are expected to grow further.

According to a December 23, 2024, news release, nearly 70,000 applicants in Canada utilized flagpoling between April 2023 and March 2024. With the elimination of this option, as well as this latest update to POE applications, we can anticipate at least a similar increase in in-Canada applications over the next year, placing significant additional strain on the system.

This highlights the importance of early planning and preparation. While maintained status applies in certain situations, it can often cause confusion for employers and reduces flexibility for workers. Applying early can help avoid these additional stresses.