Flagpoling is a recognized and legal method used by foreign nationals in Canada to swiftly acquire or renew their temporary residence status, such as study or work permits. This term describes the act of exiting Canada and promptly re-entering without actually entering the U.S., which significantly speeds up the application process. This approach can cut down processing times from several months to as little as half an hour.
This practice is quite popular because it significantly hastens the process of getting or renewing work or study permits in Canada. For many foreign nationals, this quick turnaround can mean continuing their jobs or education without any breaks, avoiding long bureaucratic delays. It also helps them bypass the uncertainties and potential complications of the regular application process.
How Does Flagpoling Work?
There is a well held belief that Flagpoling is seen as a simple and effective process for quickly obtaining or renewing temporary residence status in Canada. For some immigrants, Instead of waiting for months for their applications to be processed through standard channels like IRCC, they can speed up their applications by traveling to a Canada-U.S. border crossing.
Here's how it works: they travel to the U.S. border, receive an administrative refusal to enter the U.S., and then immediately turn back to Canada. Upon re-entry, they present their application to Canadian border officials. This method can reduce the processing time to as little as 30 minutes, allowing applicants to bypass long waits and get their permits or status validated swiftly. This quick turnaround is why flagpoling is so popular among foreign nationals looking to continue their work or studies without interruption.
Despite the introduction of new rules to address flagpoling, the practice continues to raise concerns. Immigration authorities are actively discussing how to strike a balance between meeting the needs of foreign nationals and ensuring the efficient functioning of border crossings.
These discussions seems to be more focused on finding solutions that accommodate both parties while maintaining the integrity of the immigration process.
Is Flagpoling a Recent Development?
Flagpoling is not a new practice, but its popularity has grown in recent years due to increased wait times for processing temporary resident permits within Canada. Many immigration consultants recommend this quicker alternative to their clients, especially those in urgent need of renewals to continue their work or studies without interruption. However, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) advises against flagpoling, recommending instead the use of Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada's (IRCC) online services.
Where Can You Flagpole?
While immigration services are available at all designated ports of entry to Canada. However, effective May 30, flagpoling services will only be available during specific times at the following ports of entry:
Quebec region
Armstrong — Monday to Thursday, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Saint Armand/Philipsburg — Monday to Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saint Bernard-de-Lacolle — Monday to Thursday, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Stanstead Route 55 — Monday to Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Southern Ontario region
Fort Erie (Peace Bridge) — Tuesday to Thursday, from 8 a.m. to midnight
Niagara Falls Rainbow Bridge — Tuesday to Thursday, from 8 a.m. to midnight
Queenston-Lewiston Bridge — Tuesday to Thursday, from 8 a.m. to midnight
Pacific region
Abbotsford-Huntingdon — Monday to Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Aldergrove — Monday to Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Boundary Bay — Monday to Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Douglas — Monday to Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Pacific Highway — Monday to Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How Can We Help
In situations where you cannot flagpole, our services can help you apply for your Canadian Immigration application effortlessly. Whether you need a visiting visa, study permit, or work permit or permanent residence, we offer comprehensive support to ensure your application is processed smoothly and efficiently. Avoid the hassle and uncertainty of flagpoling by leveraging our expertise in to submit your immigration application online. Contact us or Book a consultation with one of our licensed immigration professionals today to learn more about how we can assist you in achieving your Canadian immigration goals.