The Canadian government has declared that it would no longer issue work permits at ports of entry. Canada makes it clear that the purpose of immigration services at the border is to assist newcomers to Canada, not those already there. Therefore, work permit applications and renewals must be made through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Most foreign nationals in Canada will no longer be allowed to apply for a work permit at the port of entry. You must apply online for both your original work permit and your extension. If you leave Canada as a worker on maintained status, you will lose your ability to work when you return. This means you cannot work until your application is approved.

All applications for a work permit submitted for foreign nationals who are outside Canada at the time of application must be submitted using electronic means—meaning they must apply online.

Australia pauses controversial education bill: What it means for international students?

US introduces new application form to register permanent residents

UAE Golden Visa permits investors and entrepreneurs to live, work or study in the United Arab Emirates

India’s fast track immigration clearance for Indians and foreigners holding OCI cards

Maintained status (while processing an application) is a legal extension of status that allows temporary residents to stay in Canada while their application is processed. To be eligible, the temporary resident must apply to have their status extended before it expires.

By discontinuing the issuing of work permits at ports of entry, Canada has effectively put a stop to flagpoling. The new flagpoling rule is in place since December 23, 11:59 pm ET.

Flagpoling occurs when foreign nationals who hold temporary resident status in Canada, leave Canada and, after a visit to the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon, re-enter to access immigration services at a port of entry.

Students who are temporary Canadian citizens avoided online wait times for employment or work permits by leaving the country and returning for same-day immigration services. Flagpoling occurs when temporary residents of Canada leave the country and return promptly to access same-day immigration services, bypassing the regular wait hours associated with filing for a work permit online.

Those who still attempt to flagpole for a work permit will be told to submit their application to IRCC unless they meet certain exclusions.

Some work permit applications are exempt from the restrictions and may still be accepted for processing at a port of entry. Truck Drivers who are required to depart Canada for their employment and before they depart from Canada hold a work permit or maintained status as a result of a pending application for work permit renewal will not be impacted by this new rule. This does not include truck drivers operating solely within Canada.