Flagpoling Update: Clarifying The Changes And Exemptions For Temporary Residents

Just before Christmas, the Government of Canada put an end to the practice of "flagpoling"—a term used when temporary residents apply for work or study permits at the border and then turn around the next day to get expedited immigration processing.

It was a significant policy shift and part of a broader effort to enhance border security and streamline the immigration system.

In the two months since then, further clarifications have surfaced about what this really means.

No longer just a 24-hour rule

Traditionally, the practice of flagpoling enabled temporary residents to circumvent long application wait times by crossing into the U.S. or St. Pierre and Miquelon and then re-entering Canada. Originally, flagpoling only applied to those who returned to Canada within 24 hours of departure. But that is no longer the case. Flagpoling now includes any return trip to Canada from these regions, regardless of the duration of your stay.