The federal government has closed a loophole in handling those coming to Canada for study or work.
This week, the government stopped providing study and work permits to so-called "flagpolers" at border crossings, including those in southwestern Ontario.
"Flagpoling" is a practice in which foreign nationals with temporary status in Canada leave the country to visit the U.S. or the French territory of St. Pierre and Miquelon, then return at a point of entry to access immigration services.
Federal Public Safety Minister David J. McGuinty said the practice ties up immigration personnel in both Canada and the U.S.
"This change will enable us to further streamline activities at our ports of entry and allow Canadian and American border officers to focus on what they have been expertly trained to do, border enforcement," said McGuinty.
The government has reminded foreign nationals that immigration services at border crossings are for new immigrants only, not those already living in Canada. Those who now attempt to "flagpole" and access immigration services at the border will be told to submit their applications via the proper channels at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
The CBSA reported that between April 2023 and March 2024, 69,300 "flagpolers" were processed at Canadian ports of entry, mostly in the Pacific, Southern Ontario, and Quebec regions.
Work and study permits will now be granted at the border under very limited circumstances, listed as follows.
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
Professionals and technicians under free trade agreements with the U.S. or Mexico, Chile, Panama, Peru, Colombia, and South Korea.
Spouses or common-law partners of professionals and technicians under free trade agreements with Panama, Colombia, and South Korea.
International truck drivers who hold a work permit, when and where required to depart Canada for their employment, and holding maintained status as a result of applying for renewal before departure.
Individuals who have a pre-existing appointment booked with the CBSA for permit processing.
Complete information about the immigration process can be found on the official Government of Canada's website.