PGWP – No More Flagpoling at Ports of Entry
Hello World! Today, we would like to share an update on immigration services at Canadian ports of entry.
As related to our previous article on the change in service hours at the border, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a new measure that foreign nationals can no longer apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) at the border.
For those who plan to apply for PGWP in the future, please be sure to read this news.
What is Flagpoling?
Flagpoling means leaving Canada and immediately re-entering within 24 hours to receive same-day immigration services at the border. Compared to applying to IRCC in Canada, processing at the border can significantly save time on application.
However, IRCC is concerned that flagpoling uses significant resources at the border, taking officers away from enforcement activities, causing delays for travellers and slowing down the movement of goods.
New Measure
In response to the fact that PGWP applicants made up about one-fifth of all foreign nationals who tried to flagpole at the border between March 1, 2023, and February 29, 2024, IRCC discontinued accepting PGWP applications at a port of entry (airport, land or marine border) when applicants entering Canada as of June 21, 2024.
IRCC encourages applicants to apply online rather than flagpoling.
Please check here for details on how to apply.
For more information on this announcement, please refer to the following link.
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Many international students may have previously applied for the PGWP upon entering Canada. However, as noted above, this option is no longer available at the border. IRCC encourages applicants to apply online instead.
If you are going to apply for a PGWP, please be aware of this new rule.
If you need our assistance or advice on applying for a Study Permit or PGWP, please feel free to send your inquiry using this form.
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