Canada Ends Flagpoling for Post-Graduation Work Permits

The Canadian government has announced that, effective June 21, 2024, foreign nationals will no longer be able to submit applications for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border. This decision aims to curtail the practice known as 'flagpoling,' where temporary Canadian residents bypass online wait times for work or study permits by leaving the country and returning for same-day immigration services.
 
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End of Flagpoling for Post-Graduation Work Permits

Flagpoling is a strategy employed by temporary residents to expedite the processing of their work or study permits. Typically, a study permit is valid for three months following the anticipated completion date of a student’s program. If a qualified student graduates from an eligible institution and applies for a PGWP before their study permit expires, they are permitted to work full-time during the application process. They receive an automated notification, which serves as proof of their work authorization to potential employers. Once the work permit is approved, it is sent directly to the individual.

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The average processing times for temporary visa permits for study or work purposes from India, as of July 3, are as follows:

• Study permit (outside Canada): 5 weeks
• Study permit (inside Canada): 12 weeks
• Work permit (outside Canada): 19 weeks
• Work permit (inside Canada): 102 weeks

Measures to Address Flagpoling

In response to the practice of flagpoling, the Canadian government is implementing several measures to improve the in-Canada application process:

Accelerating Processing Times: Efforts are being made to speed up processing times for in-Canada work permit applications.
Simplifying Online Applications: The government is simplifying online application forms and processes to ensure that foreign nationals can continue working while awaiting a decision on their new application.
Immediate Work Authorization: Workers will be authorized to start working for a new employer immediately, without waiting for their new work permit application to be processed before changing jobs.

Additionally, the hours for flagpoling have been reduced at 12 entry points across Canada. This change allows customs officers to manage the increased number of visitors during peak times more effectively and to focus on other critical tasks, such as dealing with high-risk individuals and enhancing trade facilitation.

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Between March 1, 2023, and February 29, 2024, PGWP applicants constituted approximately one-fifth of the foreign nationals who attempted to flagpole. To encourage applicants to apply within Canada rather than resorting to flagpoling, the Government of Canada is taking measures to improve the processing times for various permits.

News Source:- financialexpress.com