Close Side Menu
2000 Market Street
Suite 1050
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: 215.825.8695
Fax: 215.825.8699
225 West 34th Street
14 Penn Plaza
New York, NY 10122
Phone: 646.787.1371
Fax: 215.825.8699
1 Thomas Cir NW – Industrious Thomas Circle
Suite 700
Washington, D.C. 20005
Phone: 202-970-2642
Fax: 202-810-9031
Client Portal Pay Invoice
 

Alert: Canada Ends Flagpoling for Work and Study Permits

 

by: Timothy D’Arduini and Peggy Sullivan

Gone are the days of flagpoling. Effective December 24, 2024, the Government of Canada has officially ended this practice at the Canadian border. Flagpoling, which temporary residents commonly used to apply for new work or study permits by exiting and re-entering Canada for same-day immigration services, is no longer an option.

In very limited circumstances, work and study permits may still be granted at a port of entry for individuals who meet specific exemptions, including:

  • U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents
  • Professionals and technicians under free trade agreements with the U.S./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 holding a work permit, required to depart Canada for employment and maintaining status by applying for a renewal before departure
  • Individuals with a pre-existing appointment scheduled with CBSA for permit processing

With a focus on strengthening border security, travelers attempting flagpoling after December 24, 2024, risk denial.

Instead, inland services remain available, though processing times (approximately 180 days) can be lengthy, and costs may vary.

We recommend clients adjust their immigration sponsorship practices and plan to initiate renewals well in advance of an employee’s expiration date. That is critically important to ensure that HR, businesses, and employees have sufficient time to collect materials and prepare for longer processing times for in-country submissions. Clients also should notify visa-sponsored employees and their businesses regarding this change to set expectations on the additional time and effort that will be required to renew their work permits, and how longer processing times may impact international travel—both personal and business travel—for employees and their families.

If you have any questions about this alert, please contact your global immigration attorney.

The material contained in this alert does not constitute direct legal advice and is for informational purposes only. An attorney-client relationship is not presumed or intended by receipt or review of this presentation. The information provided should never replace informed counsel when specific immigration-related guidance is needed.

© 2025 Klasko Immigration Law Partners, LLP. All rights reserved. Information may not be reproduced, displayed, modified, or distributed without the express prior written permission of Klasko Immigration Law Partners, LLP. For permission, contact info@klaskolaw.com.

  • Corporate Immigration

    We work with key stakeholders from multinational corporations, universities, research institutions, hospitals, and midsize to small companies in managing and developing their business immigration programs.

Stay updated! Sign up for our newsletter.

We'll keep you in the loop with important developments in the modern immigration.