Canada bans border applications for post-graduation work permits
Canada has prohibited foreign nationals from applying for post-graduation work permits (PGWP) at the border, effective immediately, to address the issue of “flagpoling.” This practice, where temporary residents exit and re-enter Canada to obtain same-day immigration services, has strained border resources and caused delays.
Shift to In-Country Applications
Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, Marc Miller, emphasized that applicants should now apply within Canada to enhance fairness and processing efficiency. Between March 1, 2023, and February 29, 2024, about 20% of flagpoling cases involved PGWP applicants.
Strategy to Streamline Border Operations
The new measure is part of a broader strategy to streamline border operations, focusing on high-risk travelers and trade facilitation. Changes have been introduced at 12 major ports of entry to manage high volumes during peak travel periods, impacting how international students transition from study permits to work permits.
Continued Work for International Students
International students can continue working full-time while awaiting PGWP approval if they apply before their study permits expire. Authorities are also speeding up processing times, simplifying online applications, and allowing workers to start with new employers immediately.
Efforts to Improve Efficiency
These efforts aim to reduce disruptions for foreign nationals, improve border efficiency, and maintain smooth Canada-US border operations.
FAQs on Canada’s Ban on Border Applications for (PGW) Permits
Canada has banned foreign nationals from applying for post-graduation work permits (PGWP) at the border, effective immediately. This change aims to reduce the practice known as “flagpoling” and improve processing efficiency and fairness.
Flagpoling refers to the practice where temporary residents in Canada exit and re-enter the country to receive same-day immigration services, bypassing regular wait times. This practice strains border resources, diverts officers from enforcement activities, and causes delays for other travelers and goods movement.
International students in Canada can no longer apply for their PGWP at the border. Instead, they must apply online within Canada. Students who apply for a PGWP before their study permits expire can continue working full-time while waiting for their permit approval.
The Canadian government has implemented several measures to help international students and foreign workers, including:
> Speeding up processing times for in-Canada work permit applications.
> Simplifying online application forms and processes.
> Allowing workers to start with new employers immediately without waiting for the new work permit application to be processed.
Yes, significant changes in flagpoling procedures have been introduced at 12 major ports of entry to manage high volumes during peak travel periods. These changes impact how international students transition from study permits to work permits.
Eligible graduates should apply online for a PGWP before their study permits expire. They can continue working full-time while waiting for their PGWP approval and will receive an automated letter to show employers. The approved work permit will be mailed directly to them.
By transitioning to a more integrated and modernized application system, the Canadian government aims to facilitate faster global processing and improve the overall immigration process for foreign nationals.
