Canada Eliminates Flagpoling for International Students Seeking Work Permits

On June 21, 2024, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Honorable Marc Miller, announced the elimination of the option for international students to obtain post-graduation work permits (PGWP) at ports of entry, a process known as flagpoling. International students applying for an initial PGWP or an extension must now apply from within Canada and wait for their permits to be processed. For more information, visit the Canadian Visa Lawyer website.

This policy change is part of a series of measures affecting international students in Canada. In December 2023, the cost-of-living requirement for international students was increased from $10,000 to $20,635. Additionally, the number of international students allowed into Canada each year was restricted and reduced. The number of hours international students can work while studying full-time was also cut to 24 hours per week, down from full-time hours.

The government asserts that the flagpoling policy change aims to improve application fairness. However, it is important to note that this new rule applies exclusively to international students seeking a PGWP. Other work permits can still be obtained at the border. PGWPs account for only one-fifth of all flagpole applications, a relatively small portion of the overall volume of applications at ports of entry. For more on the policy language, visit the IRCC website.

Further complicating the situation, recent announcements have limited the hours for applying for work permits at major ports of entry to Mondays through Thursdays from 10am to 4pm. These changes aim to facilitate international trade and reduce traffic flow at ports of entry, but they also limit the flexibility for individuals seeking to manage their immigration status.

The Minister's announcement also mentioned efforts to speed up processing times as a measure to reduce flagpoling. However, as of June 19, 2024, the IRCC's posted processing time for a work permit application from within Canada was 99 days—nearly three and a half months. According to immigration experts, such delays can have significant ramifications for applicants, including issues with employment authorization, medical coverage, Social Insurance Numbers, and even access to public schooling for children.

International students in Canada have faced a series of challenging policy changes over the past year. They have been blamed for various social and economic issues, including overcrowding in post-secondary institutions, strain on food banks, the housing crisis, and now, impeding international trade. These policy shifts may lead international students to reconsider Canada as their preferred destination for education, which could have broader economic impacts on the country.