Flagpoling, the once-common practice of exiting and re-entering Canada at a land border to obtain or renew a work or study permit, is now officially coming to an end for most applicants.
As of December 23, 2024, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have restricted access to same-day immigration services at the border—a change that will significantly impact foreign workers, students, and the Canadian companies that rely on their skills.
What Is Flagpoling?
Flagpoling refers to when temporary residents—typically individuals already in Canada on a work or study permit—leave the country (often to a U.S. border point) and re-enter immediately to process a new permit with a CBSA officer. It provided a fast-track option for people seeking immediate document updates or permit changes, bypassing longer online processing times.
The process became a vital workaround for:
- International employees switching employers
- Study permit holders transitioning to post-graduate work permits
- Companies onboarding new hires needing quick work authorization
Why Did CBSA Stop It?
CBSA and IRCC cited operational efficiency and resource allocation. Border officers were increasingly stretched by non-essential processing, diverting time from security enforcement and legitimate travel. CBSA also noted the strain flagpoling placed on border infrastructure, particularly during peak travel periods.
This change is part of a broader push to move immigration processing back into the digital and inland system—where standard application timelines apply.
Are There Exceptions?
Yes, though they are narrow. As of now, border processing is still permitted for:
- U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents applying for a work or study permit
- Certain professionals covered under free trade agreements (e.g., CUSMA, CPTPP)
- International truck drivers renewing permits
- Individuals with existing CBSA appointments
In all other cases, applications for new permits or renewals must now be submitted online within Canada.
What Employers Need to Know
This change may disrupt onboarding timelines and project mobilization, particularly for companies relying on fast starts or tight timelines. Processing times for inland applications vary but can range from weeks to several months depending on the permit type.
Companies may need to:
- Adjust start dates and onboarding procedures
- Build in longer lead times for recruitment of foreign workers
- Rely on maintained status (formerly implied status) when extending existing permits
A Final Thought
Flagpoling was never officially encouraged by IRCC, but it was quietly tolerated—and widely used—for years. For many Canadian employers, especially in tech, research, logistics, and professional services, it functioned as a practical safety valve in an often slow-moving system.
