Canada ends ‘flagpoling’ for study permits at the border

With effect from December 23, 2024, the Canadian government has banned "flagpoling" for employment and study permits at the border. The act of departing and returning to Canada in order to hasten the activation or renewal of work or study permits is known as flagpoling. All permit applications must now be submitted online to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as a result of this modification. Streamlining border operations and reserving border services for recent arrivals are the goals of the move. Additionally, it seeks to lessen resource constraints and delays at border crossings. For some, flagpoling was a practical approach, but it frequently resulted in lengthy lines at border crossings.

According to the Canadian government, the new law will have few exceptions. In certain situations, for instance, people who are already in Canada and need to renew their work or study permits could still be able to do so at the border.