With the aim of enhancing border efficiency and reducing strain on resources, changes that shall affect post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) for foreign nationals at the border have been announced by the Canadian government.
Canada Implements Policy Changes to Restrict Border Applications for Post-Graduation Work Permits
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller said that the foreign nationals can no longer apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border.
This decision targets “flagpoling”, where temporary residents exit and re-enter Canada to expedite work or study permit applications. These changes came into effect on June 21.
With a notable surge in issuances in 2023 as compared to 2018, the PGWP is crucial for international students seeking employment and permanent residency.
The same reflects a demand for work experience and permanent residency qualifications.
Not only Flagpoling diverts officers from critical enforcement duties, but also it causes delays for travellers and goods movement.
To streamline peak period operations, flagpoling hours were recently reduced at 12 ports of entry across Canada.
In addition to these, other measures like expediting in-Canada work permit applications, simplifying online processes, and allowing immediate employment changes for authorised workers have also been taken.
With 40% of 800,000 international students, Indian diaspora is the largest group when it comes to international students.
Due to accessible pathways to permanent residency and citizenship, students are drawn to Canada. From March 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024, PGWP applicants accounted for approximately one fifth of flagpoling cases.
In order to discourage flagpoling, Canada urged applicants to apply domestically and is improving processing efficiency through modernisation efforts.
Canadian Government Emphasizes Integrity and Efficiency in Immigration Policy
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stated in its press release that “We’re committed to enhancing processing times and developing a more integrated, centralised system for global application processing”.
As per the minister, the fairness of the move and its role in curbing flagpoling was stressed. Miller noted that “While we value international graduates’ contributions to Canada’s labour market, flagpoling is unnecessary”.
He added that “The time and effort required to process applications from ‘flagpolers’ takes officers on both sides of the border away from their crucial role in protecting the safety, security and prosperity of Canadians and Americans. This measure will help prevent this practice, while maintaining the integrity of our immigration system”.
Same sentiments were echoed by the Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs. overseeing Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs.
He affirmed that “Reducing flagpoling aligns with our goal of maintaining our shared border’s integrity with the United States.
