IRCC Stops Flagpoling for PGWP Applications
June 21st 2024, IRCC Minister Marc Miller announced that international students are no longer eligible to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border. This new measure, effective immediately, aims to curb the practice offlagpoling“. Flagpoling involves temporary residents of Canada briefly leaving the country and returning immediately to access same-day immigration services at the border, often to bypass the longer wait times associated with online work or study permit applications.

According to IRCC, flagpoling at the border consumes significant resources, diverts officers from their enforcement duties, delays travel, and slows down the flow of goods.
Between March 1, 2023, and February 29, 2024, PGWP applicants accounted for nearly 25% of all foreign nationals who came to the border for flagpoling. The Canadian government is introducing policies to encourage candidates to apply domestically rather than at the border.
To expedite application processing globally, IRCC is working towards a more consolidated, updated, and integrated working environment while continuing to improve processing times.
The amendment announced today aims to enhance fairness among applicants and is another step by the Government of Canada to reduce flagpoling.
A study permit typically expires 90 days after the anticipated completion of an international student’s course of study. Before their study permit expires, eligible graduating students can apply for a PGWP online. This allows them to work full-time while awaiting work permit approval and provides an automatic letter to present to employers. Once approved, they receive their work permit by mail.
Immigration services are usually accessed through flagpoling :
Temporary residents in Canada have access to a range of immigration services through flagpoling, which they often choose to do voluntarily to avoid lengthy processing times with IRCC.
Common services available after a temporary resident’s application for permanent status is granted include "soft landings." To formally complete their permanent residency, they simply cross the border and then return to Canada.
Additionally, temporary residents can renew their permits, obtain new work or study permits, and extend their temporary resident status.
Read: CBSA Flagpoling Locations and Service Hours Effective May 30
Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) :
PGWP is a work permit available to international students who have graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. PGWP allows graduates to work in Canada for a period equal to the length of their study program, up to a maximum of three years. This permit is part of Canada’s efforts to retain international students and help them gain valuable Canadian work experience, which can be beneficial for those who wish to apply for permanent residency.