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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.
Source: View on canada.ca →
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