Flagpoling - Work permit, study permit, and confirmation of permanent residence at the border.
Flagpoling means you arrive at the Canada-U.S. land border, but not for tourism. Instead, you inform U.S. border officials that you intend to change your status in Canada. Therefore, they deny you entry into the U.S. and return you to Canada. Once in Canada, you apply for the new status.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION TO FIND OUT WHICH PROGRAM IS RIGHT FOR YOU.
Steps to follow
Go to the Canada-U.S. border.
Tell the officer at the U.S. border that you are "flagpoling to activate a Canadian work permit."
They will give you a "referral" slip and direct you to the U.S. immigration office at the border. 
Complete the form for refusing entry into the United States.
Apply for your new work permit in CBSA Canada.
Important notes
- Flagpolling is merely an administrative denial procedure. It does not affect your future attempts to enter the United States.
- You cannot obtain a work permit by "flagpoling" at airports. If you are at an airport, you must arrive on an international flight.
- Land borders exist in many places throughout Canada. However, please note the opening hours of these borders. Some will close at night.
- Flagpoling at Vancouver Point Roberts is a good option because it connects to many public transport options, is quiet, and is quick to reach.
- Southern Ontario is the busiest area and only allows flagpoling on certain days.
- Note that land border officers may have less experience or familiarity with issuing work permits than international airport border officers.
Updated September 18, 2021
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provides a variety of services to foreign nationals who are already temporary residents in Canada. For example, those with study or work permits who wish to renew or apply for new permits can apply to IRCC within Canada, or they can obtain these documents at certain border crossings.
Study permits and work permits are obtained at border crossings. Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle and Saint-Armand/Philipsburg
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has implemented service hours to process work and study permit applications at the St-Bernard-de-Lacolle and St-Armand/Philipsburg border crossings for individuals currently residing in Canada. These individuals will cross the U.S. border solely for the purpose of returning to Canada to present their application in Canada. Study Permit and Work Permit processing hours:
- Monday to Thursday, from noon to 7:00 pm
- Saturday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Please note that even during scheduled hours, some applications may not be processed due to high volume and long waiting 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 to process applications for work permits, study permits, and confirmation of permanent residency at the Fort Erie (Peace Bridge) border crossings . Niagara-on-the-Lake ( Queenston-Lewiston) U.S. Bridge) and Niagara Falls (Rainbow Bridge) for individuals currently residing in Canada. Individuals will cross the U.S. border solely for the purpose of returning to Canada to present their application for a permit in Canada. Application processing hours:
- Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:00 am to midnight
Please note that even during scheduled hours, some applications may not be processed due to high volume and long waiting times.
How do I prepare the application documents?
The documents submitted at the border are still the same complete set as when submitted online. In addition, you may have to answer questions from border officers. You can register for KeyApply's document preparation service to have your application thoroughly prepared. The application will be handled by an experienced lawyer or immigration consultant.
Note: The information above may not be up-to-date if changes occur. Please refer to the LINK for updates before crossing the border.