On June 21, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that foreign nationals can no longer apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border, effective immediately. This measure is intended to reduce what is known as “flagpoling,” 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 hours were recently reduced at 12 ports of entry across Canada to allow border services officers to efficiently process the large volume of travelers in peak periods and to focus on other key priorities, including high-risk travellers and trade facilitation.
Other recent measures to address flagpoling have included:
- speeding up processing times for in-Canada work permit applications;
- simplifying online application forms and processes so foreign nationals can continue working while they wait for a decision on their new application;
- authorizing workers to start working for a new employer right away, rather than waiting to have their new work permit application processed before changing jobs.
In most cases, a study permit expires 90 days after the expected completion of an international student’s study program. When an eligible graduating student applies online for a PGWP before their study permit expires, they can work full-time while they wait for approval on a work permit and receive an automated letter that can be shown to employers. When a work permit is approved, it’s mailed directly to them.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.