What is Flag Poling
Flag poling is a practice where temporary residents (work and study permit holders) of Canada leave the country and then re-enter to access immigration services. It’s a way to bypass the normal wait times for applying for a work or study permit online. It is now ended officially but there are exceptions to the rule.
As of December 23, 11:59 pm, the ban on flagpoling took effect.
How it works
A temporary resident leaves Canada, usually to the U.S. border or St. Pierre and Miquelon
They re-enter Canada within a short time frame, typically within 24 hours
They access immigration services at a Canadian port of entry (POE)
Why it’s a problem
Flagpoling can cause delays for travellers and slow down the movement of goods.
It can take officers away from enforcement activities.
It uses significant resources at the border.
Exceptions to the Rule
Canadian work or study permit holders will be turned away attempting to flagpole would have to submit their application directly to IRCC unless they are:
Citizens or lawful Permanent Residents of the United States of America;
Professionals and technicians arriving in Canada under free trade agreements (FTAs) with the United States/Mexico, Chile, Panama, Peru, Colombia or South Korea;
Spouses or common law partners of professionals and technicians under FTAs with Panama, Columbia or South Korea;
International truck drivers who hold a work permit, and are required to depart Canada for the purpose of their employment, and who have held maintained status as a result of applying for renewal prior to departure; and
Individuals who have a pre-existing appointment with the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) for permit processing.
What’s being done to reduce flagpoling
The Government of Canada is taking measures to encourage applicants to apply in Canada
The Government of Canada is improving processing times
The Government of Canada is implementing stricter measures for foreign governments that fail to facilitate the return of their citizens