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CBSA Flagpoling Locations and Service Hours Effective May 30

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) advises temporary residents to avoid flagpoling and instead use online immigration services. Flagpoling refers to the practice of temporarily leaving Canada and returning within 24 hours to request immigration services at a port of entry (POE) or border crossing. The CBSA warns that if you choose to visit a POE for immigration services, you may face long wait times and might not be served before the end of operating hours. Additionally, flagpoling services are only available at select border locations.

Photo by Hermes Rivera on Unsplash

Flagpoling Services Locations and Hours

If you travel to the border to “flagpole” and want to get immigration services, then you must plan ahead, keeping in mind the limited hours of service. Flagpoling services are now available only at the following ports of entry, effective May 30, 2024:

There has been a reduction in flagpoling hours in the Pacific region.

Southern Ontario region:

Fort Erie (Peace Bridge): Tuesday to Thursday, from 8 am to midnight

Niagara Falls Rainbow Bridge: Tuesday to Thursday, from 8 am to midnight

Queenston-Lewiston Bridge: Tuesday to Thursday, from 8 am to midnight

Quebec Region:

Armstrong: Monday to Thursday, from 12 pm to 7 pm

Saint Armand/Philipsburg: Monday to Thursday, from 9 am to 3 pm

Saint Bernard-de-Lacolle: Monday to Thursday, from 12 pm to 7 pm

Stanstead Route 55: Monday to Thursday, from 8 am to 5 pm

Pacific Region:

Abbotsford-Huntingdon: Monday to Thursday, from 10 am to 4 pm

Aldergrove: Monday to Thursday, from 10 am to 4 pm

Boundary Bay: Monday to Thursday, from 10 am to 2 pm

Douglas: Monday to Thursday, from 10 am to 4 pm

Pacific Highway: Monday to Thursday, from 10 am to 4 pm

International students often find it convenient to obtain their post-graduation work permit (PGWP) within a day, rather than waiting up to a month for online applications to be processed.

However, the CBSA recommends that temporary residents renew their work or study permits online in advance. This approach allows them to receive the new permit in the mail before the current one expires.

Additionally, temporary residents can continue working or studying even if their current permit expires while they wait for the new one to be processed, as they will have "maintained status."

Immigration services usually accessed via flagpoling

Temporary residents in Canada often use flagpoling at the border to access various immigration services, opting for this method to avoid the lengthy processing times at the IRCC. Common services accessed through flagpoling include confirming permanent residency through soft landings, where a temporary resident exits and re-enters the country to officially validate their status. Other services include extending temporary resident status, obtaining new study or work permits, and renewing existing permits.

What could go wrong?

While flagpoling is a common practice, it’s important to remember that CBSA officers have the authority to refuse admission and detain you. Both the US and Canadian borders may deny you entry, potentially leaving you stranded between the two countries and requiring you to return to your home country. Here are some common issues you might encounter at the border:

  • No CBSA immigration officer is available to handle your request
  • The border only accepts applications on specific days or during certain hours.
  • The CBSA has reached its daily quota and will not accept additional applications.
  • You do not meet the application requirements or lack the necessary documents.
  • A CBSA officer finds you inadmissible to Canada.

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer suggests ending flagpoling

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer has expressed concerns about a legal and well-known process at Canada’s border, which he believes is causing longer lines and backups at the U.S. border. Schumer is calling on Canada to end “flagpoling.” Speaking at a press conference at the Rainbow Bridge earlier this week, Schumer stated that the process is “increasing traffic and wait times here at the border, hampering smooth commerce between our nations, (and) hampering tourism.”

Flagpoling strains the U.S. border because individuals seeking to flagpole receive an administrative refusal at the U.S. border. Despite their intentions not to stay in the U.S., border agents still have to process them, consuming resources.

Is it new?

Flagpoling is not new, but its usage has increased significantly in recent years due to longer processing times for temporary resident permits within Canada. Immigration lawyers and consultants often recommend this faster alternative, especially for those needing quick renewals to avoid interruptions in their work or studies.

However, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) "highly recommends" using the IRCC's online services instead of flagpoling.

Though flagpoling is legal and can be a useful option, it must be done correctly to avoid issues. Ensure you meet all requirements and carry all necessary documentation to prevent any problems.

English version: https://ttnimmigration.ca/vi/en/dia-diem-flagpole-va-gio-mo-cua-hieu-luc-tu-30-05/