Canada Ends Work and Study Permit Applications at the Border

✳️ Important Announcement:

– Starting 11:59 PM on December 23, 2023 (ET), foreign nationals will no longer be able to apply for work or study permits at border crossings through the “flagpoling” method.

– Flagpoling: This refers to leaving Canada to visit the U.S. or St. Pierre and Miquelon, and then returning to the border to access immigration services.

✳️ Reasons for the Change:

– To save resources at the border and reduce pressure on both Canadian and U.S. border officers.

– To shorten wait times for cross-border travelers.

– Immigration services at the border are intended for individuals entering Canada for the first time, not for those already in the country.

✳️ What Should You Do?

– All applications for work and study permits or renewals must be submitted through IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).

– Anyone attempting to flagpole will be directed to submit their application via IRCC unless they qualify for specific exemptions.