Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially banned the practice of flagpoling as part of a broader effort to tighten border procedures and maintain the integrity of Canada’s immigration system.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller confirmed the change during a televised announcement on December 17, stating bluntly, “Flagpoling will no longer be an option.” The ban officially took effect at 11:59 PM on December 23, 2024.
Flagpoling allowed temporary residents—such as foreign workers or international students—to exit Canada and immediately re-enter through a port of entry in order to obtain same-day immigration services, including renewals or changes to their permits. This previously legal method bypassed typical online application waiting periods, making it an attractive option for those seeking faster processing.
Minister Miller stated that eliminating flagpoling will reduce pressure on border services and allow officials to prioritize essential matters such as trade, enforcement, and national security. “This is about closing a loophole to shore up the efficiency and integrity of our immigration system,” he said.
From now on, temporary residents who wish to extend their stay in Canada must apply online and wait for standard processing times. This policy change is part of a larger federal push to modernize immigration processing and accelerate digital transformation across departments.
While IRCC did not initially provide a specific timeline for the policy shift, the department acted swiftly to implement the change before the end of the year. The move has sparked mixed reactions, with some newcomers worried about potentially longer waiting periods.
Experts suggest that while this marks the end of a convenience long utilized by thousands of foreign workers and international students, it also signals the government’s renewed focus on border control and procedural consistency.
Maple News will continue to monitor how this change impacts application trends and wait times in Canada’s immigration system.