You may have heard that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have updated their rules on flagpoling to obtain a work or study permit.
Is flagpoling still allowed in Canada? Let’s go over it.
Flagpoling Canada 2025 Update
As highlighted by the Canada Border Services Agency, as of December 23, 2024, Canada terminated the flagpoling practice at borders for work and study permits. This means you can no longer obtain a work or study permit at a port of entry by flagpoling.
For most people, if you need to get a new work or study permit, the application or renewal needs to be submitted through IRCC.
However, you may still be able to flagpole for a new work or study permit if you meet any of the below exemptions:
Lawful Permanent Residents and Citizens of the United States of America;
Professionals and technicians under free trade agreements with the United States/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 with a work permit who are required to depart Canada for their employment and hold maintained status as a result of applying for a renewal before their departure;
Individuals with an appointment booked with the CBSA for permit processing.
Is It Still Possible to Flagpole?
As put by CBC, flagpoling is the nickname for when foreign nationals with a temporary status leave Canada and immediately re-enter to get same-day immigration services.
If you plan to receive a work permit by flagpoling and returning to Canada within one day, you cannot get your work or study permit issued at a Canadian port of entry unless you meet the above exceptions.
However, you may be able to get a new work or study permit issued if you plan to stay in the United States for over 24 hours.
Some people have reported they got a new work permit issued by staying in the United States for at least 24 hours and returning to Canada. However, this may not work in all circumstances and will depend on the border services agent.
Get Travel Insurance for your New Work or Study Permit
If you need travel insurance for your new work or study permit, we have a range of options for you to choose from.
You can generate an insurance quote for your new work or study permit by visiting our visitor to Canada, International Experience Canada (IEC), or international student page.
Did you know we have a visitors to Canada plan with coverage features not found elsewhere? With the BestQuote MedEC policies, on top of all of the typical visitors to Canada emergency medical benefits, you also get three prepaid doctor appointments per year for free with Maple. In addition, if you are eligible and enrol in provincial healthcare in Canada, you can get a 25% refund on the remaining premium of your MedEC policy!
Read more about MedEC's unique policy benefits here.