Students who are temporary Canadian residents bypass online wait times for work or study permits by leaving the country and returning for same-day immigration services. The Canadian government announced that foreign nationals can no longer apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border, effective June 21, 2024 to reduce what is known as ‘flagpoling’.

Flagpoling occurs when temporary residents of Canada bypass the normal wait times involved in applying for a work or study permit online by leaving the country and then immediately re-entering to receive same-day immigration services.

Generally, a study permit is valid for three months following the anticipated end date of a student’s study abroad program. If a qualified student graduates from an eligible institution and applies for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) prior to their study permit running out, they are permitted to work full-time during the application process and are issued an automated notification that serves as proof to potential employers. Upon the approval of the work permit, it is sent directly to the individual.

The average processing time for applying for a temporary visa permit for study or work purposes from India: ( As of July 3)

Study permit (outside Canada) – 5 weeks
Study permit (inside Canada) – 12 weeks
Work permit (outside Canada) – 19 weeks
Work permit (inside Canada) – 102 weeks

Canadian government’s measures to address flagpoling

  • Speeding up processing times for in-Canada work permit applications
  • Simplifying online application forms and processes so foreign nationals can continue working while they wait for a decision on their new application
  • Authorizing workers to start working for a new employer right away, rather than waiting to have their new work permit application processed before changing jobs

The number of Flagpoling hours was recently cut back at 12 entry points across Canada, enabling customs officers to effectively handle the increased number of visitors during busy times and concentrate on other important tasks, such as dealing with high-risk individuals and improving trade facilitation.

From March 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024, PGWP applicants represented about one-fifth of the foreign nationals who attempted to flagpole. The Government of Canada is taking measures to encourage applicants to apply in Canada rather than flagpole by improving the processing times for various permits.