Today, we will talk about the new rules for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada. Please pay attention to all the details and watch until the end. Don’t forget to subscribe for future updates. Now, let’s jump into the news.
Important Update on PGWP Application
As of June 21st, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that foreign nationals can no longer apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit at a Canadian Port of Entry. This change is effective immediately. If you have any questions, please contact us on Instagram or Gmail.
Reason for the Change
Immigration Minister Mark Miller explained that this change will reduce the practice of flag-polling. Flag-polling is when foreign nationals leave and re-enter Canada to get immigration services quickly. This change will allow border officers to focus more on enforcement activities and reduce delays for travelers. It will also speed up the movement of goods between Canada and the United States. The department says this change will make the process fairer for all applicants.
Minister’s Statement
Minister Miller said, “Flag-polling takes time and effort from border officers. This change will help them focus on protecting the safety and security of Canadians and Americans. We support international graduates, but flag-polling is not necessary.”
Measures to Address Concerns
To address concerns about the processing time for PGWP, IRCC is taking the following steps:
- Speeding Up Processing Times: IRCC will speed up processing times for in-Canada work permit applications.
- Simplifying Application Processes: They will simplify online application forms and processes so foreign nationals can continue working while waiting for a decision.
- Immediate Work Authorization: Workers will be allowed to start working for a new employer immediately instead of waiting for their new work permit application to be processed.
Flag-Polling Statistics
From March 1st, 2023, to February 29th, 2024, PGWP applicants made up one-fifth of the foreign nationals who attempted to flag-poll.
What is Flag-Polling?
Flag-polling is a legal practice where temporary residents (those on a work/study permit or with a visitor visa) exit and re-enter Canada through a designated Port of Entry within 24 hours to receive immigration services. This process helps skip long waiting periods and provides a chance to speak with an immigration official face-to-face.
Risks of Flag-Polling
The Canadian Border Services Agency advises using flag-polling services carefully as wait times at Ports of Entry can be long. Temporary residents must manage their departure and re-entry into Canada properly to avoid immigration issues. Newcomers must maintain valid legal status in Canada when using flag-polling services. Out-of-status newcomers risk deportation.
Recent Changes to Flag-Polling Services
Recently, the Canadian and United States governments announced changes to flag-polling services due to growing wait times and traffic. As a result, flag-polling services at 12 Canadian Ports of Entry will have reduced hours. For a full breakdown of service hours, visit IRCC’s dedicated web page.
The new rules for PGWP applications are important for all foreign nationals in Canada. These changes aim to improve the process, reduce delays, and ensure fairness for all applicants. Always check the latest updates from IRCC to stay informed about immigration policies.
Conclusion
These changes are designed to make the immigration process smoother and fairer for everyone. We hope this information is useful to you. Please let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. Thank you for watching, and see you in the next update. Take care