Canada Prohibits Post-Graduation Work Permit Applications At Borders

Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced that international students can no longer apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the Canadian border, effective immediately. This new rule ends the practice known as "flagpoling," where students would bypass internal processing times by using same-day immigration services at border crossings.

According to a statement from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), "Flagpoling uses significant resources at the border, diverting officers from enforcement activities, causing delays for travellers, and slowing down the movement of goods. From March 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024, PGWP applicants represented about one-fifth of the foreign nationals attempting to flagpole."

Minister Miller emphasised the government's support for international graduates' contributions to Canada’s labour market but stated that "flagpoling" is unnecessary. "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."

IRCC also noted that study permits typically expire 90 days after an international student completes their program. If an eligible student applies online for a PGWP before their study permit expires, they can work full-time while waiting for approval and receive an automated letter for employers. Once the work permit is approved, it is mailed directly to the student.

In conjunction with the June 21 ban on flagpoling for PGWP, IRCC has reduced the availability of same-day immigration services at 12 ports of entry across Canada. This aims to allow border services officers to efficiently process the large volume of travellers during peak periods and focus on other key priorities, including high-risk travellers and trade facilitation.

Additionally, IRCC is working to expedite processing times for PGWP applications filed within Canada, simplify the online application process for foreign graduates, and allow PGWP holders to start working for a new employer immediately without waiting for a new PGWP application to be processed.