Effective December 23, 2024, the Government of Canada has implemented a major revision to its immigration policies. This change is part of Canada’s broader Border Plan, aimed at streamlining immigration processes and maintaining border efficiency.
What’s Changing?
Under the revised rules, foreign nationals will no longer be able to obtain work or study permits through flagpoles at Canadian ports of entry. This change marks a significant shift in Canada’s immigration process, prioritizing efficiency and fairness.
What is Flagpoling?
Flagpoling refers to the practice of individuals entering Canada at a land border crossing, typically from the United States, to submit an application for a work or study permit. This tactic allowed applicants to potentially bypass lengthy processing times and gain faster access to Canadian immigration benefits.
New Rules and Regulations
The Canadian government has implemented the following changes:
In-Canada Applications: Applicants for work or study permits must submit their applications online or by mail, rather than in-person at a land border crossing.
Biometric Requirements: All applicants for work or study permits, including those applying from within Canada, must provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo).
Processing Times: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will prioritize applications based on processing times, ensuring that applicants who submit their applications online or by mail are processed in a timely manner.
Impact on Applicants
The new regulations may cause delays for individuals who were planning to use the flagpoling method. However, the changes aim to provide a more efficient and fair process for all applicants.
Tips for Applicants
To navigate the new regulations, applicants should:
Submit Applications Online or by Mail: Ensure timely processing by submitting applications through the designated channels.
Provide Biometric Data: Make sure to provide required biometric data to avoid delays in processing.
Check Processing Times: Regularly check the IRCC website for updates on processing times and application status.
Conclusion
The Canadian government’s crackdown on flagpoling aims to maintain the integrity of the immigration system and provide a fairer process for all applicants. By understanding the new regulations and adapting to the changes, applicants can ensure a smoother application process.