Canada has officially terminated the practice of flagpoling at its ports of entry, effective December 23 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Temporary residents in Canada seeking to renew their work or study permits must now submit applications through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This eliminates the previous option of briefly leaving and re-entering Canada for expedited processing, according to a statement from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
Flagpoling, a strategy frequently employed by temporary residents to avoid long processing times, is no longer permitted. Canadian authorities have implemented this change to enhance border operations and enforcement. Public Safety Minister David McGuinty emphasized the benefits, stating, “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,” as quoted by CBC News.
Reasons Behind the Ban
Flagpoling has significantly strained resources for both Canadian and American border services. The CBSA processed over 69,300 flagpolers between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, with the majority concentrated in the Pacific region, southern Ontario, and Quebec, according to CIC News.
The CBSA highlighted that border services are primarily designed for individuals entering Canada from abroad, not for those already in the country. Redirecting resources to handle flagpolers has created congestion and hindered vital border enforcement tasks.
Marc Miller, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, explained the rationale for the new policy, saying, “A strong Canada-US relationship keeps people and goods moving safely while protecting both sides of the border.” He added that the change aims to “enhance fairness, ease border congestion, and improve overall border efficiency.”
Limited Exemptions
While flagpoling is no longer allowed for most temporary residents, specific groups may still qualify for port-of-entry processing under certain conditions:
- S. Citizens and Permanent Residents: Citizens or permanent residents of the United States are exempt from this restriction.
- Free Trade Agreement Professionals and Technicians: Individuals covered by free trade agreements with countries like the United States, Mexico, Chile, Panama, Peru, Colombia, and South Korea, as well as their spouses or common-law partners, remain eligible.
- International Truck Drivers: Truck drivers leaving Canada for work who held maintained status due to a timely renewal application are also exempt.
- Pre-Scheduled CBSA Appointments: Applicants with pre-existing appointments for permit processing at CBSA offices will still be accommodated.
Those attempting to flagpole without meeting these criteria will be directed to use IRCC’s application system.
Policy Context
This policy shift reflects a broader strategy to strengthen Canada-US border security. In its fall economic update, the Liberal government allocated $1.3 billion over six years for initiatives such as drones, helicopters, and enhanced border monitoring. The changes also coincide with growing concerns over potential tariffs from the United States, further underscoring the need for robust border management.
By ending flagpoling, Canada prioritizes border efficiency and enforcement while urging temporary residents to utilize IRCC’s online services for work and study permit renewals. This move marks the end of flagpoling as a convenient but resource-intensive option for expedited immigration services.
