Canada has moved to limit flagpoling, the practice which allows people with temporary residence permits to get same-day immigration services at the US-Canada border by exiting and re-entering the country within 24 hours.
Although it can be done at any entry point, there are usually designated spots at land border crossings – marked by flagpoles – allowing people to exit and turn around to get provided the fast-track immigration services.
Despite being legal, the process faces criticism in both the US and Canada. The service is now being cut at the 12 crossing points, according to CBC News.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has said that this is being done to increase efficiency during peak travel times and to ensure officers focus on other high-priority items such as trade facilitation, high-risk travellers, and asylum seekers.
“Flagpoling takes up significant resources at the border, diverts Canadian and American officers away from enforcement activities and contributes to significant wait times for cross-border travellers,” said the statement to CBC News.
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Senior CBSA spokesperson Rebecca Purdy said that flagpoling hours are being limited due to the “high volumes of flagpolers.”
“This change was made to enable frontline officers to efficiently process large volumes of travellers in peak periods and to focus on other key priorities, including high-risk travellers, trade facilitation, as well as asylum seekers and other critical immigration services,” wrote Purdy to Global News in an email.
The US is also not happy with flagpoling, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressing his dismay with the practice. He claims that it is “putting the Niagara Falls and western New York economy at risk by increasing traffic and wait time here at the border.”
The 12 checkpoints that will see their flagpoling limited services are:
- Armstrong, Quebec
- Fort Erie (Peace Bridge), Ontario
- Saint Armand/Philipsburg, Quebec
- Saint Bernard-de-Lacolle, Quebec
- Stanstead Route 55, Quebec
- Aldergrove, Pacific Region
- Douglas, Pacific Region
- Niagara Falls Rainbow Bridge, Ontario
- Queenston-Lewiston Bridge, Ontario
- Pacific Highway, Pacific Region
- Boundary Bay, Pacific Region
- Abbotsford-Huntingdon, Pacific Region
According to the CBSA’s official website, flagpoling is a viable alternative to accessing online immigration services. However, the office warns that those going for this approach may face long lineups and their turn to access services may not come before the end of service hours.
“We highly recommend you use IRCC’s online services.”
For many, however, flagpoling helps with skipping up to 3 month wait periods for services such as work and study permit renewals, temporary resident status extension, and PR confirmation among others.
What Is Flagpoling?
Flagpoling is the term given to when a person already in Canada leaves and returns without crossing into the USA, in order to activate a new permanent resident status, or be granted a renewed study or work permit.
Why Flagpole?
It is known as a time-saving alternative to applying to Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada, where processing times can run into weeks and months. By flagpoling, candidates present themselves at the Canadian Port of Entry, and are processed often in less than 30 minutes.
The term is derived from travelling ‘around the flagpole’, before presenting yourself at the border.
Who Can Flagpole?
Flagpoling is used by study and work permit holders looking to renew their permits. They take all their documentation to a U.S. border point and can be processed in minutes at the border.
It is also used by temporary residents of Canada who wish to validate permanent resident status. It is a quick and cheap alternative to waiting months for an appointment as an IRCC office.
The following can flagpole:
- Residents of visa-exempt countries with an LMIA-exempt job.
- Residents of visa-exempt countries in possession of a positive LMIA.
- Residents of the U.S., St. Pierre & Miquelon and Greenland.
- Residents of visa-required countries already in possession of a study or work permit (flagpoling for the purposes of renewal).
* Seasonal agricultural workers are not eligible to flagpole
What Are the Disadvantages?
While the processing is fast once you arrive at the border, you still need to get there and wait in line. If you live near the border and own a car, this is easy, but otherwise there can be time and expense involved. However, it will still be quicker than applying to the IRCC.
It is advisable to plan a trip to the U.S. as part of the flagpoling process. If you choose to flagpole without visiting the U.S., you will be formally denied entry. While this is fine as part of a one-time process, it will complicate the situation every time you enter the U.S. in future, as you will always be asked if you have ever been denied entry. By planning a day trip, this can be prevented.
In theory, you could also be caught between the two countries, denied entry to both the U.S. and Canada.
What Is the Process?
On arrival at U.S. border control, a candidate should inform the customs agent of the intention to directly flagpole. A slip will be issued that is an administrative refusal to the U.S.
Candidates are then directed round to the Canadian border control where the right documentation must be presented (see below), depending on the purpose of the flagpoling trip.
What Documents Are Required?
For Study/Work Permit
- Passport.
- Existing Study or Work Permit.
- For Work Permit:
- Job contract signed by candidate and employer.
- Plus if required:
- Positive LMIA.
- Provincial nomination certificate.
- Letter of support from provincial nomination program.
- Valid medical examination certificate if employed in public health or have lived for six months in certain countries.
- For Study Permit:
- Official offer letter from recognised educational institution.
- Proof of financial support.
- Plus if required:
- Letter of explanation.
- Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ).
- Custodian declaration (minors only).
- Other documents.
For Permanent Residence Validation
- Passport or travel document with visa sticker
- Confirmation of permanent residence or letter from Canadian visa office
- Proof of legal status in Canada, including one of:
- Work Permit
- Study Permit
- Temporary Residence Visa
- Other document
- Proof of implied status, for example:
- Payment receipt
- Copy of extension application
