New rules in place at Peace Bridge related to ‘flagpoling’
December 29, 2024 at 4:46 AM
A practice used by people using immigration services at the border is being cracked down on by the federal government.
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has announced that work and study permits will no longer be provided to “flagpolers” at a port of entry, including the Peace Bridge.
The new rules were put in place last week.
“Flagpoling” is the practice by which 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, explained CBSA senior spokesperson Rebeca Purdy in a statement to Fort Erie Radio.
“It’s important to note that temporary residents do not need to flagpole to obtain immigration services,” said Purdy.
“Individuals seeking to apply for or renew study or work permits can apply online through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.”
There has been significant growth in immigration and asylum-related processing at Canada’s ports of entry, said Purdy.
Figures about specific ports of entry, such as the Peace Bridge between Fort Erie and Buffalo, N.Y., are not available, Purdy told Fort Erie Radio.
Between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024, the CBSA processed over 69,300 flagpolers across Canada. Pacific regions, Southern Ontario, and Quebec were the most impacted.
“Flagpoling uses significant resources at the border, diverting Canadian and American officers away from important enforcement activities and contributing to wait times for cross-border travellers,” said Purdy.
This change will help CBSA redirect resources to core port of entry activities, such as keeping Canadian communities safe from guns and drugs, she added.
As part of the new policy regarding flagpoling, services that are being restricted at ports of entry include the processing of applications for a new work permit or the renewal of a work or study permit, and the collection of biometric information.
Individuals who renew work or study permits online before their current permit expires have “maintained status” which lets them continue to work or study until their new application is finalized as long as they stay in Canada, said Purdy.
Maintained status is lost if an individual leaves Canada.
From January 1 to October 31 2024, there were 4,400 asylum claims processed at border crossings in southern Ontario, said the CBSA in a news release.
This involves ports in Windsor, Sarnia, London, Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, and surrounding communities, the CBSA said.
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About The Author
Kris Dubé
Kris is a veteran journalist who has worked in Niagara for close to 20 years. He is also a lifelong resident of Fort Erie, a place he plans to call home and raise his family for many more years.
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