Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced plans to end flagpoling, a practice allowing newcomers to obtain same-day immigration services by briefly leaving and re-entering Canada at the border. Temporary residents will instead need to apply online to extend their stay.
Miller cited reduced border pressure and strengthened immigration system integrity as reasons for the change, which is expected "as soon as possible."
Earlier restrictions in 2024 had already limited flagpoling for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applicants and at key border crossings. This comes as IRCC faces significant application backlogs.