Flagpoling - Work permit, study permit, and confirmation of permanent residence at the border.

Flagpoling means that you go to the Canada-US land border, but not for the purpose of traveling. Instead, you inform the US border officer that you intend to change your status in Canada. Consequently, they deny your entry into the US and send you back to Canada. Upon entering Canada, you submit an application for your new status.

Steps to follow

Go to the Canada-US border

Tell the US border officer that you are "flagpoling to activate a Canadian work permit."

They will give you a "referral" paper and direct you to the US immigration office at the border.

Complete the US refusal of entry form.

Apply for your new work permit at CBSA Canada.

Important Notes

1. Flagpoling is merely an administrative refusal procedure. It does not affect your future entries into the United States.
2. You cannot "flagpole" to obtain a work permit at airports. If you are at an airport, you must have arrived via an international flight.
3. There are many land border crossings in Canada, but be mindful of the border operating hours. Some locations close at night.
4. Flagpoling at the Vancouver-Point Roberts crossing is a good option as it is connected to public transit, is quiet, and is fast.
5. Southern Ontario crossings are the busiest and only allow flagpoling on specific days.
6. Note that land border officers may be less experienced or familiar with issuing work permits than international airport border officers.

Update as of September 18, 2021

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provides various services to foreign nationals who are already temporary residents in Canada. For example, those with study or work permits who wish to extend or apply for new permits can apply to IRCC from within Canada or apply for these documents at certain border crossings.

Study permit and work permit applications at Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle and Saint-Armand/Philipsburg

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has implemented service hours for processing work and study permit applications at the St-Bernard-de-Lacolle and St-Armand/Philipsburg ports of entry for individuals currently residing in Canada. Individuals will cross the US border for the sole purpose of returning to Canada to present their permit application in Canada. Working hours for Study and Work permit processing:

• Monday to Thursday, from noon to 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Please note that even during scheduled hours, some applications may not be processed due to high volume and excessive wait times.

Study permit, work permit, and confirmation of permanent residence at Peace Bridge, Queenston-Lewiston Bridge and Rainbow Bridge

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has implemented service hours for processing work permit, study permit, and confirmation of permanent resident applications at the Fort Erie (Peace Bridge), Niagara-on-the-Lake (Queenston-Lewiston Bridge), and Niagara Falls (Rainbow Bridge) ports of entry for individuals currently residing in Canada. Individuals will cross the US border for the sole purpose of returning to Canada to present their permit application in Canada. Working hours for processing applications:

• Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to midnight

Please note that even during scheduled hours, some applications may not be processed due to high volume and excessive wait times.

How to prepare your application?

The application submitted at the border must still be a complete package, just as if applying online. Additionally, you may need to answer questions from border officers. You can register for KeyApply's application preparation service to ensure your documents are thoroughly prepared. Your file will be handled by an experienced Lawyer or Immigration Consultant.

Note: The information above may not be current if changes have occurred. Please refer to the LINK for updates before heading to the border.