On June 21, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a significant update to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application process. This new policy, designed to strengthen the integrity of Canada’s immigration system, prohibits foreign nationals from applying for a PGWP at the border. This change aims to reduce the practice known as “flagpoling” and enhance the overall efficiency and fairness of the immigration process.
What is Flagpoling?
Flagpoling is a tactic used by some temporary residents to bypass regular waiting times for work or study permits by briefly exiting and re-entering Canada to receive immediate immigration services at the border. While this practice can speed up individual applications, it places a significant strain on border resources, distracts officers from their essential duties, and causes delays for other travelers and the transit of goods. In the past year, about one-fifth of all flagpoling attempts involved PGWP applicants.
The New Policy
Effective immediately, the new policy prevents PGWP applicants from applying at the border. Instead, applicants are encouraged to use in-Canada application processes. This change is a proactive step by the Canadian government to reduce border congestion and ensure that border officers can focus on critical enforcement activities and the smooth movement of goods and people across the Canada-U.S. border.
Government’s Rationale
The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, emphasized the importance of this measure. He highlighted that while Canada highly values the contributions of international graduates, flagpoling is unnecessary and places an undue burden on border resources. By redirecting these resources, border officers can better protect the safety, security, and prosperity of Canadians and Americans.
Impact on Border Services
The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs, also commented on the issue. He noted that flagpoling significantly strains border services officers, who must balance providing immigration services with maintaining border security. By prohibiting flagpoling for PGWP applicants, the government aims to maintain the efficiency and security of the shared border with the United States.
Benefits for PGWP Applicants
To meet the needs of PGWP applicants and maintain Canada’s welcoming stance towards international graduates, the government has implemented several measures to streamline the application process:
- Faster Processing Times: Efforts are underway to reduce wait times for in-Canada work permit applications, making it quicker for applicants to receive their permits.
- Simplified Online Applications: The IRCC has improved the user-friendliness of online forms, allowing applicants to continue working while their applications are processed.
- Immediate Work Authorization: New policies enable workers to start jobs with new employers immediately, even before their new work permits are finalized.
Quick Facts
- Study Permit Expiration: Typically, a study permit expires 90 days after an international student completes their program. Graduates can apply online for a PGWP before their study permit expires, allowing them to work full-time while awaiting approval.
- Improved Processing: Recent reductions in flagpoling hours at 12 ports of entry have helped border services officers manage high traveler volumes and prioritize high-risk individuals and trade facilitation.
The prohibition of flagpoling for PGWP applicants represents a significant policy shift designed to enhance the efficiency and integrity of Canada’s immigration system. By encouraging in-Canada applications, the government aims to streamline processes and reduce border congestion, ensuring that resources are used effectively. This change not only benefits the border officers but also supports international graduates by providing a more organized and efficient pathway to obtaining their work permits.
For more information and assistance with your immigration process, contact ImmigCanada today.
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