IRCC Ends Flagpoling For International Students To Apply For PGWP

Last Updated On 21 June 2024, 5:31 PM EDT (Toronto Time)

Today, IRCC Minister Marc Miller announced that international students will no longer be eligible to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border.

This new measure is effective immediately to reduce the action of “flagpoling.”

Flagpoling is the practice of temporary residents of Canada leaving the nation and returning right away to obtain same-day immigration services at the border.

Usually, foreign nationals would do so to avoid the typical wait times associated with online work or study permit applications.

Recently, CBSA also limited hours the flagpoling services were provided at 12 ports of entry effective May 30 to reduce the stress at borders.

As per the IRCC, flagpoling at the border requires a lot of resources, diverting officers from enforcement duties, delaying travel, and slowing down the flow of commodities.

In the period between March 1, 2023, and February 29, 2024, PGWP applicants made up almost 25% of all foreign nationals who came to the border for flagpoling.

The Canadian government is implementing policies to incentivize candidates to apply domestically rather than at the border.

To help expedite application processing worldwide, IRCC said they are striving toward a more consolidated, updated, and integrated working environment while also maintaining their current improvement in processing times.

The amendment announced today is aimed at enhancing fairness between applicants and is another step that the Government of Canada is taking to decrease flagpoling.

A study permit typically expires ninety days after the anticipated conclusion of an overseas student’s course of study.

Before their study permit expires, a qualified graduating student can apply online for a PGWP, which allows them to work full-time while they await approval for a work permit and obtain an automatic letter to present to employers.

Once authorized, they receive a work permit in the mail.

What are the Immigration services usually accessed via flagpoling

Temporary residents in Canada have access to a variety of immigration services through flagpoling at the border; in fact, they choose to do so voluntarily in order to avoid lengthy processing periods at the IRCC.

Common services after granting a temporary resident’s application for permanent status include soft landings.

To formally verify their permanent residency, they just go to the border, cross it, and then come back again.

Additionally, they can renew their permits, obtain a new work or study permit, and extend their status as temporary residents.

What is a PGWP?

A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a type of work permit available to international students who have graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.

The PGWP allows graduates to work in Canada for a period equal to the length of their study program, up to a maximum of three years.

This permit is part of Canada’s efforts to retain international students and help them gain valuable Canadian work experience, which can be beneficial for those who wish to apply for permanent residency.

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) licensed by CICC (formerly known as ICCRC) with member number R708618. He brings extensive knowledge of immigration law and new changes to rapidly evolving IRCC.