Today, June 21, 2024, marks a significant shift in Canada’s immigration policy as the government announces an immediate end to “flagpoling” for post-graduation work permit (PGWP) applicants. This breaking news, delivered by the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, represents a major change in how international graduates can apply for work permits in Canada.
Flagpoling, a method where temporary residents briefly leave Canada to re-enter and receive same-day immigration services, has been a contentious issue. It has strained resources at the border, diverting officers from crucial enforcement activities and causing delays for travelers and goods movement.
Key points of this policy change include:
- PGWP applicants can no longer apply at the border, effective immediately.
- This change aims to reduce border congestion and improve fairness among applicants.
- The government is encouraging applicants to apply within Canada, promising improved processing times.
Minister Miller stated, “While we continue to support international graduates’ contributions to Canada’s labour market, ‘flagpoling’ is unnecessary.” He emphasized that this measure will help maintain the integrity of Canada’s immigration system while freeing up border resources.
Quick Facts
- Study permits typically expire 90 days after program completion.
- Eligible students can work full-time while waiting for PGWP approval if they apply online before their study permit expires.
- Recent measures include reducing flagpoling hours at 12 ports and speeding up in-Canada work permit processing.
The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, added that this change would allow a greater focus on maintaining the integrity of the shared border with the United States.
This policy shift is part of a broader strategy to modernize and streamline Canada’s immigration processes. It follows recent measures such as reduced flagpoling hours at 12 ports of entry and improvements to in-Canada work permit application processing.
For international students and recent graduates, it’s crucial to note that when applying online for a PGWP before their study permit expires, they can continue working full-time while awaiting approval.
This breaking news represents a significant change in Canada’s immigration landscape, aiming to create a more efficient and equitable system for all applicants. Stay tuned for further updates and reactions from stakeholders in the coming days.
