Flagpoling at Canadian Port-of-Entry for Post-Graduation Work Permit no longer possible

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

As of June 21, 2024, foreign nationals seeking a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) are no longer able to apply at a port of entry as a result of new ministerial instructions. 

This change also means that it is no longer possible to apply for a PGWP through the process of ‘flagpoling’.  Flagpoling is a process in which an eligible foreign national can exit Canada at a designated Canada/US land border and, upon visiting the US side of the border, can immediately return to Canada to apply for a work permit.   

It is still possible to apply for other work permits through flagpoling (like a co-op work permit, for example). However, moving forward, PGWP applications must be submitted online from either inside or outside of Canada.