Canada Ends Flagpoling for PGWP | Liberty Immigration
Hello! On June 21, 2024, Canada made a significant change to its immigration policies, particularly affecting Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applicants. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced that foreign nationals can no longer apply for a PGWP at the border. This change, effective immediately, aims to reduce the practice known as “flagpoling.” Let’s explore what this means and how it impacts you.
What is Flagpoling?
Flagpoling is a process where temporary residents in Canada, such as those on work or study permits, leave the country and re-enter at a port of entry to quickly process their immigration applications. This method allows applicants to bypass longer processing times associated with online or paper applications.
Reasons for the Change:
- Resource Allocation:
- Flagpoling uses significant resources at the border, diverting officers from essential enforcement activities and causing delays for travelers and the movement of goods.
- Operational Efficiency:
- Between March 1, 2023, and February 29, 2024, PGWP applicants made up about one-fifth of the foreign nationals attempting to flagpole. Ending this practice aims to streamline border operations and improve efficiency.
- Fairness and Integrity:
- This measure promotes fairness among all applicants, ensuring everyone follows the same process and helps maintain the integrity of Canada’s immigration system (CIC News, June 21, 2024).
Government Measures to Mitigate Impact:
To support applicants affected by this change, the Government of Canada is implementing several measures:
- Faster Processing Times:
- Efforts are underway to reduce processing times for in-Canada work permit applications.
- Simplified Application Processes:
- Improvements to online application forms and procedures will help foreign nationals continue working while their applications are processed.
- Immediate Work Authorization:
- Applicants can start working for a new employer immediately upon submitting their application, without waiting for the new work permit to be processed (CIC News, June 21, 2024).
Quotes from Officials:
Minister Marc Miller emphasized the importance of this measure, stating, “While we continue to support and recognize the contributions of international graduates to Canada’s labor market, ‘flagpoling’ is unnecessary. This measure will help prevent this practice, while maintaining the integrity of our immigration system.”
Minister Dominic LeBlanc added, “Flagpoling places an undue burden on our border services officers. With this change, we’re taking a measured approach to combating the issue and putting an even greater focus on maintaining the integrity of our shared border with the United States.”
Quick Facts:
- A study permit typically expires 90 days after the expected completion of an international student’s program.
- Graduating students who apply online for a PGWP before their study permit expires can work full-time while waiting for approval and receive an automated letter to show to employers.
- Flagpoling hours have been reduced at 12 ports of entry to allow border services officers to focus on high-risk travelers and trade facilitation.
Conclusion
The end of flagpoling for PGWP applicants is part of a broader initiative to enhance the efficiency and fairness of Canada’s immigration system. By streamlining processes and reallocating resources, IRCC aims to ensure that the Canada-U.S. border remains secure and efficient for both countries.
If you have questions or need assistance with your PGWP application or other immigration processes, contact Liberty Immigration Inc. today for personalized guidance and support.For more detailed information and updates, visit the official IRCC Newsroom and CIC News.
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