Flagpoling: When and where at the border can you do it?
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Effective June 21, 2024, foreign nationals can no longer apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border. This ends the practice of "flagpoling" for those seeking a PGWP.
00:00 What is flagpoling? How can you use it to renew your study and work permits? US and Canadian immigration lawyer Michael O'Rourke explains.
00:44 Flagpoling: Crossing the border into the US and immediately returning to Canada to have your immigration papers processed by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
Generally used for work and study permits
02:12: Is it risky? IRCC website: “If you decide to come to a port of entry for immigration services, [flagpoling] you may find long lineups and your turn may not come before the end of service hours. We highly recommend you use IRCC's online services.”
*Note: The below times are subject to change without notice. Always consult the IRCC website for current information**
06:00 Quebec: Armstrong — Monday to Thursday, from 12 pm to 7 pm
Saint Armand/Philipsburg — Monday to Thursday, from 9 am to 3 pm
Saint Bernard-de-Lacolle — Monday to Thursday, from 12 pm to 7 pm
Stanstead Route 55 — Monday to Thursday, from 8 am to 5 pm
06:22: Ontario: Fort Erie (Peace Bridge) — Tuesday to Thursday, from 8 am to midnight
Niagara Falls Rainbow Bridge — Tuesday to Thursday, from 8 am to midnight
Queenston-Lewiston Bridge — Tuesday to Thursday, from 8 am to midnight
07:21 Pacific Region / British Columbia: Abbotsford-Huntingdon — Monday to Thursday, from 10 am to 4 pm
Aldergrove — Monday to Thursday, 10 am to 4 pm
Boundary Bay — Monday to Thursday, from 10 am to 2 pm
Douglas — Monday to Thursday, from 10 am to 4 pm
Pacific Highway — Monday to Thursday, from 10 am to 4 pm
09:36: Chuck Schumer's view: “Speaking at a press conference at the Rainbow Bridge earlier this week, Schumer said the process is ‘increasing traffic and wait times here at the border, hampering smooth commerce between our nations, (and) hampering tourism.’”— National Post
Schumer referred to “flagpoling” as a loophole that needs to be closed.