Canada has officially canceled “flagpole,” a once-popular process that allowed temporary residents to expedite changes to their immigration status by briefly exiting and re-entering the country. This practice, widely used by international students, workers, and visitors, provided a faster alternative to in-Canada applications. Common uses of flagpoling included extending work permits, approving study permits, obtaining post-graduation work permits, and completing permanent residency landing procedures.

Why Was Flagpoling Canceled?

The decision to cancel flagpoling is driven by several challenges:

  1. Border Congestion: Border officers faced heavy workloads, especially at high-traffic locations like Niagara Falls and Lacolle. Flagpoling added pressure to already-busy crossings.
  2. Unfair Access: The process created disparities, giving those near U.S. borders a significant advantage over others who could not travel outside Canada.
  3. Strengthened Alternatives: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has improved online application systems, offering more equitable and streamlined processing options for all applicants.

Impact on Temporary Residents

Canceling flagpoling significantly affects temporary residents in Canada:

  • Longer Wait Times: Applicants must rely solely on in-Canada processing, which may lead to increased delays.
  • No Immediate Decisions: Without flagpole, applicants lose the option for same-day resolutions at the border.
  • Increased Planning Needs: Temporary residents must apply earlier to avoid lapses in status.

What you should do

While flagpoling is no longer available, temporary residents can pursue these alternatives:

  1. Apply Online
    • Use IRCC’s website for work permits, study permits, and permanent residency landing applications. Submit applications well before current permits expire.
  2. Temporary Public Policies
    • Monitor IRCC updates for special measures on immigration by visiting here

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