Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller, announced that foreign nationals can no longer apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border, effective immediately. This measure will help reduce what is known as “flagpoling.” Flagpoling occurs when temporary residents of Canada bypass the normal wait times involved in applying for a work or study permit online by leaving the country and then immediately re-entering to receive same-day immigration services.
Flagpoling uses significant resources at the border, taking officers away from enforcement activities, causing delays for travellers and slowing down the movement of goods, the Minister says. From March 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024, PGWP applicants represented about one-fifth of the foreign nationals who attempted to flagpole.
The Government of Canada is taking measures to encourage applicants to apply in Canada rather than flagpole.
According to the immigration ministry, the change announced today increases fairness amongst applicants and is another step the Government of Canada is taking to reduce flagpole.
