Maple News reports that as of May 30, 2024, Canadian and U.S. border authorities have implemented new restrictions on the practice of ‘flagpoling’ by limiting both the number of participating ports of entry (POEs) and their hours of service. A total of 12 Canada–U.S. land border crossings will continue to allow flagpoling, but now only during reduced time slots.
Flagpoling is a legal process whereby temporary residents in Canada—such as individuals on work permits, study permits, or visitor visas—briefly exit the country and re-enter within the same day to receive expedited immigration services at the border. This method is often preferred by newcomers seeking faster processing compared to applying through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) by mail or online.
While permitted, flagpoling has posed operational challenges for Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers and their U.S. counterparts, especially amid rising cross-border traffic. In a recent statement, CBSA said the new restrictions aim to ease congestion at border points during peak travel hours, allowing officers to focus on trade facilitation, high-risk travelers, and asylum claims.
Despite reductions, flagpoling remains available at all land POEs. However, only select crossings now offer these services at limited hours. In Quebec, affected locations include Armstrong, Saint Armand/Phillipsburg, Lacolle, and Stanstead. Southern Ontario sites with limited schedules include the Peace Bridge in Fort Erie, Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, and Queenston-Lewiston Bridge. Out west, British Columbia’s affected POEs include Abbotsford-Huntington, Aldergrove, Boundary Bay, Douglas, and Pacific Highway.
Most of these sites now operate flagpoling services from Monday to Thursday or Tuesday to Thursday, with hours ranging between 8 a.m. and midnight, depending on the location.
Adding further pressure, the CBSA is currently in wage negotiations with the federal government and has threatened to go on strike. Should a work stoppage occur, it is likely to cause additional disruptions to both routine immigration services and flagpoling availability at affected crossings.
The coordinated border strategy reflects growing concern over border resource allocation, especially in light of increasing immigration demands and expanded responsibilities at POEs. Authorities continue to recommend that newcomers first consider processing their applications through digital channels unless they have urgent or time-sensitive needs best resolved via flagpoling.
Maple News will continue to monitor changes in border policy and labor negotiations that may impact newcomers seeking immigration services.