Method Immigration
  • About
  • Services
    • Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
    • Family Sponsorship
    • Study Permits
    • Express Entry
    • Temporary Work Permit
    • LMIA
    • Parent/Grandparent Supervisa
    • Caregiver Visas
  • News
  • Pricing
  • Contact
White Purple And Blue Gradient Business Marketing Strategy Presentation
December 18 2024

Flagpoling Policy Change

MethodImmigration Business, Express Entry, IEC (International Experience Canada), LMIA, Parent & Grandparent (PGP), Post Graduate Work Permit, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Skilled Worker, Sponsorship, Study Permit, Uncategorized

Flagpoling Set to End as IRCC Strengthens Border Security

The Government of Canada has announced a major policy change that will put an end to the practice of flagpoling, a popular method for temporary residents to expedite immigration services at border crossings. Immigration Minister Marc Miller revealed the plan on December 17, 2024, stating that the move is part of broader efforts to enhance the integrity and efficiency of Canada’s immigration system.

What is Flagpoling?

Flagpoling is a process where temporary residents in Canada leave the country and re-enter through a Canadian port of entry, often at the U.S. border, to receive immediate immigration services. This practice has been commonly used by individuals seeking to renew work permits, study permits, or finalize their permanent residency status.

While flagpoling provides faster processing compared to online applications, it places additional strain on border officials and creates congestion at border crossings.

Why is Flagpoling Ending?

Minister Miller emphasized that ending flagpoling will help border officials focus on their primary responsibilities, such as ensuring border security and managing legitimate cross-border travel and trade. “Flagpoling will no longer be an option,” he stated, adding that the policy will be implemented “as soon as possible.”

This decision aligns with IRCC’s ongoing efforts to improve the immigration system by reducing backlogs and streamlining application processes. Earlier in 2024, measures were introduced to limit flagpoling, including reduced service hours at 12 Canada-U.S. border crossings and restrictions for specific applicant groups, such as Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders.

What Does This Mean for Temporary Residents?

Once the policy takes effect, temporary residents will no longer be able to rely on flagpoling for expedited services. Instead, they will need to apply online to extend their stay or modify their immigration status. This shift underscores the importance of planning and understanding the online application process to avoid delays or lapses in legal status.

Key Takeaways

  • Effective Date: The exact date for the policy’s implementation has not yet been announced, but IRCC plans to enforce it in the near future.

  • Application Process: Temporary residents should familiarize themselves with IRCC’s online application system and prepare for potential processing delays.

  • Border Efficiency: The change aims to reduce congestion and improve operational efficiency at Canada’s borders.

What’s Next?

As the policy unfolds, IRCC will likely release further details and guidance for temporary residents and other stakeholders. In the meantime, those affected are encouraged to monitor official updates and ensure their applications are submitted well in advance of expiry dates.

At Method Immigration, we are committed to keeping you informed about important changes to Canadian immigration policies. If you have questions or need assistance with your application, contact us today to speak with one of our experienced RCIC consultants.

📢 Express Entry Update: Your Pathway to Canada Starts Here! Spreading Holiday Cheer: Celebrating Our Clients’ Success in 2024!

Related Posts

White and Navy Modern Business Loan Facebook Ad - 1

Express Entry

The Simplest Careers to Launch Your Canadian Immigration Journey with Method Immigration

Method Immigration

Business, Caregiver, Express Entry, IEC (International Experience Canada), LMIA, Parent & Grandparent (PGP), Post Graduate Work Permit, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Skilled Worker, Sponsorship, Study Permit

Mark Carney’s Government Outlines Changes to Canada’s Immigration Policies

Modern Breaking News Instagram Post (1920 x 1080 px)

Uncategorized

Canada Expands Express Entry Healthcare and Social Services Category for 2025

Popular Posts

  • The Simplest Careers to Launch Your Canadian Immigration Journey with Method Immigration
  • Mark Carney’s Government Outlines Changes to Canada’s Immigration Policies
  • Canada Expands Express Entry Healthcare and Social Services Category for 2025
  • Canada’s Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots Now Open!
  • Canada Eliminates Bonus CRS Points for Arranged Employment in Express Entry

Application Review

Navigating an immigration application can be challenging. We provide a comprehensive application review service designed to help individuals and families submit accurate, compliant, and complete applications.

Each application undergoes a meticulous review. This includes examining documents for accuracy and consistency, verifying compliance with regulatory requirements, and ensuring all forms are properly completed. Our detailed approach minimizes the risk of errors that could delay or jeopardize your application.

Recognizing that every immigration journey is unique, we offer one-on-one consultations to understand your individual circumstances and objectives. This personalized service allows us to tailor our review process to meet your specific needs and ensure your application reflects your situation accurately.

Click here to learn more 

 

Consultation (General or Intro)

Discuss your situation with us, have your credentials assessed to see which route is best for you, and see if you qualify to immigrate to Canada.

We recommend an introductory consultation for any new clients who are looking for guidance on their immigration process.  

During these consultations, we explore the options available to you based on your situation, and provide a roadmap towards further actions and assistance that we can provide. 

  • 60 minute consultation with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant – $150.
  • 30 minute consultation with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant – $85.

Consultations will be conducted by zoom video call.

 

Book a 30 minute consultation
Book a 60-minute consultation

Study Permits

If you are a student that wants to come to Canada to study at a Canadian institution (school, college or university), this category may be for you.  You can study for a degree/diploma or any other accredited course on a study permit which is valid for the full length of your course.  You may also be allowed to work in some circumstances to gain extra money on the side to fund your student lifestyle in Canada.  We also process extensions to existing study permits for those of you who are already in Canada and have an expiring study permit.  We also process Post Graduate Work Permits (PGWP) that are for recent graduates who may wish to work in Canada after they have completed their studies.  If you want to see Canada while learning something new, then this category may be for you.

Express Entry

Express Entry is for skilled people that want to come to Canada and gain permanent residency.  It is an online points-based system – you get points for your education, work experience, age, and language skills.  Once you’ve added up your points, you will get placed in a pool of candidates.  The candidates with the most points will then get picked out of this pool and will be invited to apply for their permanent resident visa.  The more points you get, the more chance of you receiving an invitation to apply.

There are several categories for express entry, these include:

Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – this category is for people that have at least 1 year of Canadian work experience.
Foreign Skilled Worker (FSW) – you don’t need Canadian work experience for this category, but you do need foreign work experience.  

Foreign Skilled Trades (FST) – you don’t need Canadian work experience for this category but you do need work experience in a skilled trades role.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – See PNP.

Temporary Work Permit

If you are looking to come to Canada and work on a temporary basis, this may be for you.  You may have the intention to come to Canada on a temporary basis but then look into becoming a permanent resident – then this category also may be for you.  

You may have a job offer in Canada that you want to accept or you may just want to work a ski season on the Mountains – whatever the reason is, this program may be for you.  

We process open work permits as well as employer specific work permits.  We also process extensions to existing workers for those of you who are already in Canada and have an expiring work permit.  We also deal with companies and corporations who may be looking to hire temporary foreign workers in Canada – see LMIA.

LMIA

If you are an employer who is looking to hire temporary foreign workers in Canada, then you must obtain an LMIA.  We process LMIAs and also the work permit Applications for your temporary foreign workers.  An LMIA is also used to support a skilled worker achieve their permanent residency status.  If you are a current employee and your employer is willing to support you in your permanent residency application, then this program is for you.  We can process the whole application including your permanent residency file.  The LMIA process is a long and complex one, but hiring us to assist you in this process will make it much more stress free and easy to deal with.

Parent/ Grandparent Supervisa

Parent/Grandparent Supervisas are a helpful way to be able to see your children/grandchildren without being limited to only a visitor visa (usually only granted for 12 weeks). You are able to visit your children/grandchildren up to 5 years at a time for a period of 10 years.

It is also a much quicker application than a sponsorship application and is not subject to paying a permanent residency fee. 

Book a consultation to discuss if this might fit your case, and we will provide a step by step process, as well as guidance, on applying for the supervisa. 

Caregiver Visas

 

If you are currently a care giver for children, elderly or other people that may need care, you can apply for a Caregiver visa. This allows carers to become permanent residents of Canada while doing the job they love. Whether you are a home child care worker or home support worker you may apply if you already have a job.

Family Sponsorship

The Family Sponsorship category is for Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents to be able to sponsor a family member to come to Canada and gain their permanent residency.  It could be spouses, children, parents, grandparents and in some cases Brothers, Sisters, Uncles, Aunties, Cousins, Nephews & Nieces.  Similarly if you are a foreign national that has a family member in Canada who is already a permanent resident or Citizen, this category may be for you. 

This category also includes the parent/grandparent super visa, which allows parents/grandparents of a permanent resident or Canadian Citizen to come to Canada for several months throughout the year without actually having to sponsor them.  Finally, the family sponsorship category also allows you to adopt a child to Canada. 

We have completed a whole range of family sponsorship applications so please let us know your situation and we may be able to help.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Are you considering immigrating to Canada and looking to apply under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)? Each province and territory in Canada has its own unique PNP and the eligibility criteria and minimum requirements for each program can vary. Some of the different streams that provinces and territories may have under their PNP include entrepreneur programs, graduate streams, in-demand skills streams and French speaker programs.

When it comes to applying under the PNP, you have two options: Express Entry or paper-based application. If you choose to apply through Express Entry, you can indicate your interest in a specific province or territory and if they are interested in your profile they may send you a Notification of Interest (NOI). If you receive an NOI, you can then apply for a nomination from the province or territory.

If you are nominated by a province or territory, and you meet the eligibility criteria and minimum requirements, you will be able to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry. It’s worth noting that 80% of Express Entry PNP applications are processed within 6 months, making it a fast-track option for applicants looking to immigrate to Canada.

It’s important to research and compare the different PNP streams offered by each province and territory to determine which program is the best fit for you. Some provinces and territories have more frequent rounds of invitations than others and some programs may have a lower minimum requirement for language or experience. Also, Keep in mind that some provinces and territories may not be accepting applications at all times.

In any case, the immigration process can be complex, so it’s always a good idea to seek professional help if necessary. With the right research and guidance, you can increase your chances of success and find the perfect program to help you achieve your goal of immigrating to Canada.