The Canadian government has announced changes affecting post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) for foreign nationals at the border.
This decision targets "flagpoling", where temporary residents exit and re-enter Canada to expedite work or study permit applications.
Highlighting operational changes, flagpoling hours were recently reduced at 12 ports of entry across Canada to streamline peak period operations.
Indian students constitute the largest group of international students in Canada, making up 40 per cent of the 800,000 international students.
To discourage flagpoling, Canada urges applicants to apply domestically and is improving processing efficiency through modernisation efforts.
The Canadian government has announced changes affecting post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) for foreign nationals at the border. The move is aimed at enhancing border efficiency and reducing strain on resources.
Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, foreign nationals can no longer apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border. This decision targets "flagpoling", where temporary residents exit and re-enter Canada to expedite work or study permit applications.
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These changes came into effect on June 21.
The PGWP is crucial for international students seeking employment and permanent residency, with a notable surge in issuances in 2023 as compared to 2018. This reflected a demand for work experience and permanent residency qualifications.
Flagpoling not only diverts officers from critical enforcement duties but also causes delays for travellers and goods movement.
Highlighting operational changes, flagpoling hours were recently reduced at 12 ports of entry across Canada to streamline peak period operations.
Additional measures include expediting in-Canada work permit applications, simplifying online processes, and allowing immediate employment changes for authorised workers.
Indian students constitute the largest group of international students in Canada, making up 40 per cent of the 800,000 international students. They are drawn to Canada for its accessible pathways to permanent residency and citizenship.
From March 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024, PGWP applicants accounted for approximately one fifth of flagpoling cases.
To discourage flagpoling, Canada urges applicants to apply domestically and is improving processing efficiency through modernisation efforts.
"We're committed to enhancing processing times and developing a more integrated, centralised system for global application processing," stated Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) press release.
Minister Miller stressed the move's fairness and its role in curbing flagpoling.
"While we value international graduates' contributions to Canada’s labour market, flagpoling is unnecessary," noted Miller.
"The time and effort required to process applications from ‘flagpolers’ takes officers on both sides of the border away from their crucial role in protecting the safety, security and prosperity of Canadians and Americans. This measure will help prevent this practice, while maintaining the integrity of our immigration system," he added.
Minister Dominic LeBlanc, overseeing Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs, echoed these sentiments, citing flagpoling's strain on border services.
"Reducing flagpoling aligns with our goal of maintaining our shared border's integrity with the United States," LeBlanc affirmed.
