Canada ends flagpoling for those seeking work and study permits at the border

Work and study permits will no longer be issued to individuals using the flagpoling process at Canada’s ports of entry, according to a recent announcement by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Flagpoling refers to a practice where foreign nationals holding temporary resident status in Canada leave the country and immediately re-enter to access immigration services—such as renewing work or study permits—at a port of entry instead of applying through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, more than 69,300 flagpoling cases were processed, primarily in the Pacific, southern Ontario, and Quebec regions, according to CBSA data.

“This change will enable us to further streamline activities at our ports of entry and allow Canadian and American border officers to focus on what they have been expertly trained to do—border enforcement,” Public Safety Minister David McGuinty stated.

The decision aligns with efforts to enhance Canada’s border security ahead of the U.S. presidential inauguration on January 20. It also aims to address concerns raised by the U.S., including threats of imposing a 25% tariff on Canadian goods.

Strengthening Border Security

To bolster security and avoid potential tariffs, the Canadian government has allocated $1.3 billion in its fall economic update for a six-year border security package. This includes investments in helicopters, drones, and increased resources for the CBSA, RCMP, Public Safety Canada, and the Communications Security Establishment.

The initiative comes amidst ongoing discussions on border policies and economic strategies. Former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland previously expressed concerns about Canada's preparedness for a potential tariff war, citing disagreements with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over fiscal strategies as a factor in her resignation.

In her resignation letter, Freeland emphasized the importance of maintaining financial reserves to address potential economic challenges arising from U.S. policies.

Exceptions to the Flagpoling Ban

The CBSA clarified that some individuals might still be eligible for work and study permits at ports of entry under specific circumstances, including:

• U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
• Truck drivers who need to exit Canada for work purposes.
• Professionals and technicians under free-trade agreements with countries like the U.S., Mexico, Chile, Panama, Peru, Colombia, and South Korea.
• Spouses or common-law partners of such professionals and technicians under agreements with Panama, Colombia, and South Korea.

Applicants who do not fall under these exceptions will be redirected to apply through IRCC.

“A strong Canada-U.S. relationship keeps people and goods moving safely while protecting both sides of the border. Flagpoling is unnecessary and diverts resources from critical enforcement activities,” said Immigration Minister Marc Miller.

The changes are part of a broader effort to effectively manage operations and maintain the integrity of the Canada-U.S. border.