Effective December 23, 11:59 pm, the ban on flagpoling has officially come into effect, significantly altering how temporary residents in Canada access immigration services.
Under this new regulation, individuals holding a work or study permit can no longer seek same-day immigration services at the border. Instead, applications for extensions or renewals must be submitted directly to Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
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Exceptions to the Flagpoling Ban
While the majority of temporary residents are impacted, specific groups can still utilize immigration services at the border. These include:
- U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents
- Professionals and technicians under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the U.S., Mexico, Chile, Panama, Peru, Colombia, or South Korea
- Spouses or common-law partners of professionals under FTAs with Panama, Colombia, or South Korea
- International truck drivers holding a valid work permit and requiring border travel as part of their employment
- Individuals with pre-scheduled appointments with the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA)
Immigration Minister’s Announcement
On December 17, Immigration Minister Marc Miller publicly addressed the forthcoming changes. Citing resource allocation and border efficiency, he stated:
“This change will ease border congestion, improve fairness for applicants, and enhance the efficiency and security of our borders.”
The decision to end flagpoling stems from the high volume of applicants and the strain it places on both Canadian and American border officials. From April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, the CBSA processed over 69,300 flagpoling applicants, primarily at border entry points in the Pacific, Southern Ontario, and Quebec regions.
Why Was Flagpoling Banned?
Flagpoling allowed newcomers to bypass wait times for online permit processing by briefly exiting Canada and re-entering to obtain same-day immigration services at a port of entry. While once a legal and popular method, the practice was viewed as resource-intensive for border officials.
The Canadian government believes this change will strengthen Canada-U.S. relations, reduce border congestion, and ensure fairness in the immigration process.
What Should Temporary Residents Do Now?
Temporary residents are encouraged to apply for work or study permit extensions through the official IRCC channels. Seeking advice from an experienced immigration consultant is highly recommended to navigate the updated process effectively.