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Flagpoling Ban for Work and Study Permits
Effective: December 23, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. ET
TL;DR
Foreign nationals in Canada can no longer obtain new or renewed work/study permits by leaving and re-entering at a port of entry ('flagpoling'). Limited exceptions: U.S. citizens/PRs, cross-border truckers, and CUSMA/free-trade professionals from select countries.
What changed
- POE work/study permit issuance ended for most applicants.
- Exceptions retained for U.S. citizens/PRs, cross-border truckers, CUSMA professionals.
- Inland applications via IRCC Account Portal remain the standard path.
Who is affected
International students and foreign workers extending or initiating permits inside Canada.
Verify on canada.ca
Always confirm policy details, dates, and exact eligibility on the Government of Canada source page before acting:
https://www.canada.ca/en/border-services-agency/news/2024/12/ending-flagpoling-for-work-and-study-permits-at-the-border.html ↗Related immigration topics
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