Flagpoling Canada To Renew Permits – A Complete Guide
New Canadian immigration status can be activated through flagpoling Canada, which is entirely legal. Leaving Canada, being denied admission to the USA, and returning to Canada are all steps in the process. The simplest way to activate a new work permit (or even permanent residency) if you are already a visitor or employee in Canada without leaving the country is through flagpoling. Here’s everything you need to know about Flagpole to get the job done, hopefully.
Flagpoling is the term used to describe activating or updating an immigration status by crossing the border between the United States and Canada (or vice versa). Renewing their temporary resident status, such as work permits, study permits, or visiting records, is usually utilized by those already in Canada.
The concept that people would leave Canada and re-enter it, frequently by driving to a border crossing and utilizing the flagpole as a point of reference to turn around and re-enter the nation, gave rise to the phrase “flagpoling Canada“.
The procedure usually entails leaving Canada, presenting oneself to U.S. immigration authorities, and then immediately turning around to enter Canada again and presenting oneself to Canadian immigration authorities.
Flagpoling enables people to alter their immigration status without travelling abroad for a long time. Without submitting additional paperwork or applications, individuals can acquire a new immigration document, such as a work or study visa.
Flagpoling is not an official method recognized by Canadian immigration officials; it is crucial to note that acceptability and usage may change at various border crossings. Before undertaking flagpoling, conducting research and thoroughly grasping the rules and regulations is advised.
It’s important to note that while we provide accurate and up-to-date information, it’s always recommended to consult with Immigration Consultant Canada (RCIC, authorized immigration professionals) or IRCC (Canadian government authorities) or CBSA Officer for personalized advice and the most current information.
What Is Flagpoling Canada?
Flagpoling is the phrase used to describe people who are already temporary residents of Canada leaving and then returning without entering the United States to verify their status as permanent residents of Canada or to renew their Study Permits or Work Permits. Because applicants quickly turn around at flagpoles before presenting themselves at the border, this behaviour has been dubbed “flagpoling.” Leaving Canada, being denied admission to the USA, and returning to Canada are all steps in the process.
Is Canada flagpoling illigal?
The simplest way to activate your status or confirm it without travelling outside Canada is through flagpoling Canada, which is a legal process.
Why Flagpoling?
It is recognized as a quicker option than applying to IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada), where the waiting period might be weeks or months. By flagpoling Canada border, candidates’ applications are often completed in under 30 minutes. People use this tactic when submitting applications to the IRCC to save time.
Who can Flagpole?
Holders of study and work visas who want to renew their permits employ flagpoling Canada. They would only need to present their paperwork to a U.S. border, where it would be processed. Additionally, temporary residents of Canada who want to confirm their status as permanent residents use it (Canada PR). This may be a better option than waiting months for an IRCC appointment. The following can flagpole:
- Visa-exempt nationals with positive or neutral LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment).
- Visa-exempt nationals countries with an LMIA-Exempt job (International Mobility Program).
- A national or permanent resident of the U.S., Greenland, or Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, regardless of whether their job falls with the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or the International Mobility Program.
- Visa-required nationals with a study permit or work permit (flagpoling for renewal purposes).
- IEC visa applications will be accepted from 1 March 2021.
- You will not work as a live-in caregiver or seasonal agricultural worker.
Note: In addition to the above, the foreign nationals must have completed their immigration medical examination, if required, before they arrive at the port of entry.
When and where can the flagpole Canada be?
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has put in place various rules and service times for handling applications for flagpoling Canada (work and study permit renewals) made at ports of entry by people who:
- Currently reside in Canada
- Possess a valid work or study permit, and
- Travelled to the USA for the sole purpose of presenting their permit application at a Canadian port of entry
If you meet these criteria, you may apply for a renewed work or study permit at these ports of entry.
Anyone who meets the above criteria who enters Canada outside of these hours at the Canadian port of entry to apply for a work or study permit will be allowed if they comply with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). So, they will be asked to submit their application to IRCC from within Canada (Online) as it will not be processed at the ports of entry.
What are the Flagpoling advantages?
flagpoling Canada has many advantages among them:
- Bypassing the application process: Depending on the type of visa and the location of the application, processing periods for visa applications submitted through an RCIC or at a visa office may be extensive. When you flagpole, on the other hand, your visa application is processed immediately, and you often find out the outcome of your application the same day.
- More straightforward application process: Depending on the type of visa and the location where the application is submitted, processing times at the consulate or a visa office may be prolonged. When you flagpole, on the other hand, your visa application is processed immediately, and you often find out the outcome of your application the same day.
- Possibility to argue your case: When flagpole, you interact directly with someone. So, suppose you have concerns about your eligibility or motivations for applying for a specific visa. In that case, you can discuss them with the person who will determine whether to approve or reject your application. Without flagpoling Canada, there would be no chance to address an application’s specifics or challenge a potential ground for denial advanced by the immigration officers, as their discretion on your submitted application plays an important role.
What are the Flagpoling disadvantages?
Despite many advantages of flagpoling Canada, there are some disadvantages as below:
- Even if border crossing processing is quick, you still must travel there and wait in line. This is simple if you live close to the border and have a car, but it can take some time and money if not. It will nonetheless be quicker than applying to the IRCC.
- To complete the flagpole process, you must travel to the US. You won’t be able to finish the process if you aren’t allowed to enter the US. Additionally, there is a chance of being caught between the US and Canada, and having your Planning a travel to the US as part of the flagpole procedure is advised.
- You will usually be refused entry if you decide to raise the flag without going to the United States. While this is acceptable as part of a one-time process, it will complicate matters as you will always be questioned if you have ever had your entry to the United States denied. This can be avoided by organizing a day trip.
- Due to high volumes and lengthy wait periods, some applications might not even be processed during the allocated hours, so you might be asked to apply online.
This is why before committing to flagpoling Canada, we always advise speaking with an RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant).
How to flagpole?
Once you understand how it works, the flagpole Canada is fairly simple.
- Get to a specified Canadian border. An applicant should inform the customs officers of their desire to the flagpole to activate a Canadian work permit as soon as they arrive at the U.S. border check.
- You will be given a “referral” piece of paper, typically orange, and told to enter the US immigration office.
- You will fill out a Refusal of Admission form in this section. The appropriate papers must be presented at the Canadian border control after they have been led there. Observe the instructions provided.
- You must have all your documentation available to activate your new work permit at the CBSA office.
Documents needed for flagpole Canada
Depending on why you are flagpoling, different documents are needed for flagpole Canada.
For Flagpole Canada Work Permit:
- Passport
- Existing Work Permit
- Job contract signed by candidate and employer
- Positive or natural LMIA (if required).
- Provincial nomination certificate.
- Letter of support from provincial nomination program.
- Valid medical examination certificate if employed in public health or have lived for six months in certain countries.
For Flagpole Canada Study Permit:
- Passport
- Existing Study Permit
- Official offer letter from DLI.
- Proof of financial support.
- Letter of explanation (if required)
- Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) if you are in Quebec.
- Custodian declaration (minors only).
- Other suporting documents.
For Flagpole Canada Permanent Residence Confirmation (COPR):
- Passport or Official travel document with the visa sticker
- Confirmation of permanent residence or letter from the Canadian visa office
- Proof of legal status in Canada (Work Permit, Study Permit, Temporary Residence Visa, or Proof of implied status)
- Other documents
- Proof of implied status, for example, Payment receipt or Copy of extension application.
Is Flagpoling a U.S. refusl visa?
flagpoling Canada does not constitute a formal entry refusal. It is an administrative denial; therefore, it won’t affect any upcoming trip to the US or elsewhere.
Can I flagpole without TRV?
You must also possess a current TRV from a visa-required country. Do not flagpole for extending your stay if you do not comply with these rules. For this reason, we advise foreign nationals who need a TRV to submit an online application.
Can I do Flagpoling without a US visa?
Visiting the US border without a valid US visitor visa could have negative repercussions. You can be questioned about your attempted entry at the time of flagpole if you later try to apply for a US visitor visa.
What is Flagpoling Canada PGWP?
International students who are currently in Canada may apply for their Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) by travelling to a US/Canada land border (“flagpoling Canada”).
Is Flagpole Canada open work permit allowed?
Spouses or partners who are currently in Canada may apply for their Work Permit (OWP) by travelling to a US/Canada land border (“flagpoling”) if they have a valid study or work permit.
Can my husband flagpole for a Study Permit from within Canada?
Spouses or partners in Canada may apply for their Study Permit by travelling to a US/Canada land border (“flagpoling”) if they have a valid study or work permit.
Can I extend my status at a port of entry using flagpoling?
Before expiration, applications for visitor records, study permits, and work permits should be submitted in Canada. However, visa-exempt foreign nationals can sometimes apply for a new visitor record, study permit, or work permit at a port of entry. (flagpoling Canada)
What may go wrong with Canada Flagpoling?
You must never forget that your entry may occasionally be prohibited at the US and Canadian borders. As a result, in this situation, you could find yourself stranded between the US-Canada border.
Even though flagpoling Canada is a regular practice, a CBSA officer can deny your admission and detain you anytime. It’s crucial to confirm whether land borders handle flagpole immigration petitions. One of the following could be some typical problems:
- No Canada border officer (CBSA) is present to handle your request.
- Applications are only accepted at specific times during the day or on specific days of the week at the land crossing.
- When they exceed their daily quota, they stop accepting new applications.
- You don’t possess all the required documentation.
- You don’t meet the application requirements at the port of entry.
- They determine that you cannot enter Canada.
Tips to know about flagpole Canada
- Be advised that, in comparison to their airport counterparts, land border officials are generally less conversant with the IRCC program.
- Make sure you have all of the necessary important documentation with you.
- Make sure you have the right to use the flagpole as your port of entry by conducting comprehensive research before you leave.
- Make sure you have a valid visa because not having one could lead to problems.
- Decide to visit the US for the day. This will significantly simplify the process if you attempt to enter the US.
- There are border crossings all around Canada. Notably, most minor crossings permit flagpoling on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays; however, some close at night.
- Even though flagpoling saves you time and is quicker than applying directly with the IRCC, the process might still take hours because of long lines up and challenging interview questions.
- Due to high volumes and lengthy wait periods, some applications might not even be processed during the allocated hours, so you might be asked to apply online.
Flagpoling Canada FAQs
New Canadian immigration status can be activated through flagpoling Canada, which is entirely legal.
Going to a land border between Canada and the US is known as flagpoling. You don’t visit the US, though. Instead, you let the US border agent know that you want to modify your status in Canada. They typically send you back to Canada after refusing to let you enter the US.
Yes, you can. Once you obtain PGWP by flagpoling, you must withdraw your online application.
CBSA has resumed flagpoling Canada. They may not process your request to validate your COPR (permanent resident landing paper), provide you with a work permit or study permit, or extend your stay in Canada.
You don’t need a visitor visa to the US to flagpole. However, attempting to enter the country without a non-immigrant visa may have certain unfavourable effects.
If you are qualified to apply for a work permit, you must have the following documents on hand when submitting your application:
- Identification documents, such as a passport or driver’s licence.
- A letter from LMIA or evidence proving your exemption from LMIA.
- A Job offer.
By going to a US/Canada land border (“flagpoling”), international students who are presently studying in Canada can apply for their Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Any student who wants to flagpole must do so during flagpoling hours.
Most often, candidates need a job offer before applying for a work permit in Canada. Most of the time, requesting a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) is the initial step in acquiring a work permit in Canada. If you have positive LMIA, the easiest way is flagpoling Canada.
According to the IRCC checklist, IEC applicants must have printed copies of their POE, proof of insurance, and proof of money (note that proof of job or vaccination is no longer required).
If you meet the requirements for flagpoling for landing, you must have the following paperwork on hand when applying:
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR),
- Passport or travel document,
- Proof of legal status in Canada, such as a work permit or study permit.
Flagpole if you have your study permit approval letter. If your status is legal in Canada, may flagpole. Of course, you must have proof of identity (e.g., a valid visitor record).
- Your original passport.
- An employment contract with signature.
- A positive LMIA, a certificate of PNP, a support letter from PNP, and a medical exam (in case of public health job or six-month living in a designated country).
If you currently hold a valid or implied status in Canada, you may flagpole for renewing your stay. Of course, you must have a current TRV from a visa-required country. Do not flagpole for extending your stay if you do not comply with these rules.
You must have all the required paperwork on hand when applying for a work visa if you are qualified to do so, specifically:
- Identity documents, such as passport and driver’s licence.
- The positive LMIA letter or documents that show you are exempt from LMIA.
- Job offer.
You may flagpole only if your status is valid in Canada. Of course, you must take supporting documents with you (e.g., a valid visitor record). Take at least two valid identity documents to the port of entry. Of course, one of them has to be your valid passport.
Even though flagpoling Canada is lawful, approaching the US border without a valid US visitor visa may have unfavourable effects. You can be questioned about your attempted entry at the time of flagpoling if you later try to apply for a US visitor visa.
When your study permit is set to expire while in Canada, you can request a new immigration document by “flagpoling,” which is to leave Canada and then return right away at a US/Canada land border.
How Arnika Can Help You?
Flagpoling is a very useful legal solution, but you should always carry it out correctly. You must comply with all Canadian Immigration Regulation (Canada CIC) requirements and possess all necessary papers to avoid any issues. ARNIKA can inform you of the specifics of the process, what documentation to bring with you when you arrive at the border crossing, which border crossing to use, how to dress for the occasion, how to modify your attitude to fit the circumstance, what kinds of questions you might encounter, etc. We can also help you get ready for the flagpoling. If you want to discover how the RCIC can help you, the first step is to complete the Assessment Form (To detail your personal, educational, and employment information) available on the site.
Related Articles & Links
Canada Work Visa and How To Get One
Canada Study Visa and How To Get One
Renewing work and study permits at the Canadian Border Patrol (CBSA)
About The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC)
I have visitors visa V1,orTRV,I am coming to visit my grand aunt,she’s a Canadian citizen,during xmas seasons,2023,do I qualify for flagpole?,to get PR?
Hi, flagpole is a complex process, so, please fill out the assessment form available on our website. We’ll reach out to you shortly by email to see how we can assist you. Thanks
I have work permit and my husband has study permit. But our children status as visiting has almost expired. Can we apply for work permit for those that are already 17 and 18 years and study permit for the minor of 13years through flagpolling.
Hi, we suggest you to book a consultation session with our RCIC or another one to get your questions legally answered. Thanks
Please I need your response.
Hi, Please fill out the assessment form available on our website and explain your situation there. We’ll reach out to you shortly by email. Thanks
Thank you for all knowledges above. I went to border and did flagpole 5 times and came back to canada border ( 2 times was closed so i had 3 times applied to officer) . But i was denied because my speaking english skii is not enough ( 4.5 Ielts) and they ask 5.0. But on the canada website , they need al least 4.0. So i would like to ask am i able to do flagpole one time again before i go home my country. Thank you very much!
It’s generally not advisable to attempt flagpoling multiple times, especially after previous refusals. Repeated attempts may negatively impact your immigration record. Here’s what you should do:
1-Consult an RCIC or Immigration Lawyer: Get professional advice tailored to your specific situation.
2-Review Requirements: Ensure you meet the exact language requirements specified for your application type.
3-Gather Evidence: Collect documentation proving you meet the criteria, including official language requirements.
Attempting flagpoling again without addressing the language issue might lead to another refusal.
HI,
How long will it take to complete the Flagpoling Canada process for Study permit for someone already in Canada?
Hi, you need to check with the border office where you will do the flagpole (CBSA), but it usually takes a half day if you don’t have any missing documents. Thanks
The timeline for completing the Flagpoling process for a study permit in Canada can vary. Generally, it involves leaving the country and re-entering at a land border to activate or change immigration status. The process at the border itself might be quick, but consider potential wait times, processing, and any additional requirements. It’s advisable to check current processing times with CBSA border agencies for the most accurate information.
Hello. I want to flag pole to lift the limitations of working in healthcare sections. I have already done all the necessary tests and I am a nurse. Is there any complications if I flag pole for this matter?
Thank you
Hello, ensure you have all the required documents, including your valid visa and medical results. Thanks
Hello All,
I got study visa & Letter of Introduction while in my country, then school canceled my program. I came into Canada with my visitor’s visa and while here got LOA from another school. Do I need to raise a webform and inform IRCC? How do I get my study permit? Go to a land border and flagpole?
Yes, notify IRCC through a webform about the change in your study program. To obtain a study permit, visit a land border for flagpoling, presenting your new Letter of Acceptance. Ensure all required documents are ready for processing.
hey, I am wondering if the medical examination certificate is necessary for LMIA work permit extension when doing flagpole
Hi, if you are extending to work in a health occupation , yes you need a medical report result.
My spouse has a study visa and so are our 2 children but i have a visitors visa which will expire in a few month. can i flagpole to extend it and which documents will i require?
If you have a valid visa on your passport, you can get awork permit by flagpoling or get a visitor record as per duration of your wife study permit. We listed the required documents on our article. Thanks
My closed work permit expired in March, and I applied to extend it in February, which means I am currently on an implied status. My BcPNP was approved in April, and I was given a support letter to apply for a new work permit. My question is, can I flagpole to get the latest work permit?
You can use the BC PNP support letter to the flagpole to obtain your new work permit. Ensure you bring all necessary documents, including the support letter, passport, and proof of your application status. Make sure you have a valid visa to reenter Canada. Before you go, confirm the current flagpoling procedures at your chosen border crossing.
Hello Admin,
I am on a study permit and my husband is on work permit (he got it initially through flagpoling). My two kids are on study permit and my little baby is on visiting visa.
Everyone’s visas are tied to mine and they expire in March 2025 – 3 months before the completion of my program. I need to extend our visas.
Can we flagpole to get everyone’s visas extended?
And my little baby is now grown and needs a study permit, will they issue her a study permit at the land boarder?
If you hold a valid study or work permit, children are not required to have a study permit; just a visitor record is enough and you can get it at the border.
While flagpoling can be used for specific immigration processes, extending visas typically requires an application submitted online.