Decision to discontinue Flagpoling Services For PGWP Applicants

Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada has announced that as of June 21, foreign nationals will no longer be able to apply at their Canadian port-of-entry (POE) for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Flagpoling is the term used to describe a process in which individuals leave Canada and return to the United States to activate or renew a new immigration status, such as work permits. This method was popular with PGWP candidates because it provided a quick turnaround, and did not require them to submit an application via the usual channels.

This change will take effect immediately.

Immigration Minister Marc MillerThis measure will reduce the amount of pollution “flagpoling”Allow border officers more time for completion “enforcement activities.”The project is expected to reduce travel delays and accelerate the movement of goods between Canada and the United States.

The department also claims that the change will increase the amount of money you earn. “fairness amongst applicants”In the future, it will continue to seek other ways to reduce its use.

“While we continue to support and recognize the contributions of international graduates to Canada’s labour market, ‘flagpoling’ is unnecessary,” says Minister Miller. “The time and effort required to process applications from ‘flagpoles’ 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.”

Some applicants use flagpoling in order to avoid the sometimes lengthy process of processing their PGWP. IRCC has announced that it will:

The Implications

After the PGWP application process was discontinued, applicants will now need to apply for a work permit extension through the regular inland and outland application process. This change has raised concern among applicants, who relied on the flagpoling service for a more straightforward and efficient renewal process.

Why the Change?

The IRCC’s decision to discontinue flagpoling services for PGWP applicants is aimed at streamlining the immigration process and ensuring consistency in how applications are processed. By moving away from flagpoling the IRCC hopes that it will create a more standardised and structured approach to issuing immigration documents and work permits.

Moving Forward

It is important that PGWP applicants who are affected by this change familiarise themselves the new application requirements and procedures set by the IRCC. While the discontinuation may present challenges for some, it is essential to comply with the updated guidelines and adapt to the updated rules to avoid any disruptions of their immigration status.

In conclusion, the IRCC’s decision to discontinue flagpoling services for PGWP applicants marks a significant change in how immigration processes are handled in Canada. While this change can present some initial challenges, it’s important for those affected to stay informed. 

It is important that they are proactive in navigating through the revised application processes to ensure a smooth change in their immigration status.

Visit the official IRCC site for more information on the updated application process for PGWP extension. The website provides detailed instructions and guidance for how to proceed according to the new regulations.

The department also claims that the change will increase the amount of money you earn. “fairness amongst applicants”In the future, it will continue to seek other ways to reduce its use.

“While we continue to support and recognize the contributions of international graduates to Canada’s labour market, ‘flagpoling’ is unnecessary,” says Minister Miller. “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.”

Some applicants use flagpoling in order to avoid the sometimes lengthy process of processing their PGWP. IRCC has announced that it will:

• Speeding up the processing time for work permits in Canada
• Simplifying online application forms so foreign nationals are able to continue working while waiting for a new application decision
• Workers can start working immediately for a different employer, instead of waiting until their new work permits are processed.

According to IRCC data, PGWP applicants accounted one-fifth the foreign nationals that attempted to flagpole from March 1, 2023 to February 29, 2024.

All flagpole services are now subject to recent changes

Recently, the Canadian and United States government announced changes to flagpoling service in general to respond to increasing wait times and traffic at POEs.

These changes have resulted in a number of changes There will be reduced hours for flagpole service at 12 Canadian POEs.

To see a full breakdown of hours of service for all Canadian POEs, find IRCC’s dedicated webpage Here is a link to the article.